Sight Scotland Veterans

Sight Scotland Veterans



Website: https://sightscotland.org.uk/veterans
Support Line: 0800 035 6409 (Freephone)
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00am to 4:00pm; Friday, 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Professional referral form: https://sightscotland.org.uk/form/ssv-support-somone
Main website: https://sightscotland.org.uk 

What this organisation does

Sight Scotland Veterans is a Scottish charity that supports military veterans affected by sight loss or visual impairment. The organisation provides information, advice, rehabilitation, social opportunities, assistive technology support and activities that help veterans maintain independence, confidence and wellbeing. It also offers support and guidance for family members and carers. 
For seafarers, fishers or family members with a military service background who are experiencing sight loss, the charity may provide valuable specialist support, advice and opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges. 

Who can use the service

The service is primarily intended for veterans experiencing sight loss or visual impairment in Scotland. Support may also be available to families, carers and professionals seeking help on behalf of a veteran. 
People can contact the organisation directly for advice and support or be referred by a professional. 

Support available

Sight Scotland Veterans provides a range of practical and emotional support services, including:
  • Information and guidance through the dedicated veterans' support line. 
  • Advice about benefits, entitlements and financial wellbeing. 
  • Vision rehabilitation and independent living support. 
  • Support from specialists who can help veterans maintain or regain independence. 
  • Advice, guidance and training on assistive technology and digital accessibility tools. 
  • Community, wellbeing and social activities designed to reduce isolation and increase confidence. 
  • Opportunities to meet other veterans experiencing sight loss. 
  • Access to dedicated veterans' activity hubs at the Linburn Centre in West Lothian and the Hawkhead Centre in Paisley.

Features and benefits

Key benefits of the service include:
  • Specialist support tailored to veterans living with sight loss. 
  • Help to maintain dignity, independence and daily living skills. 
  • Access to expert advice on welfare benefits and available financial support. 
  • Opportunities to develop new skills and use assistive technology effectively. 
  • Social activities and peer support that help reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing. 
  • Accessible facilities and programmes designed for people with varying levels of sight loss. 
  • Support for family members and carers who may also be affected by a veteran's sight loss. 

How to get help

  1. Call the veterans' support line on 0800 035 6409. 
  2. Explain your circumstances and the support you are looking for. 
  3. The team can provide information, advice, signposting, assessment and referral to appropriate services. 
  4. If you are supporting a veteran, you can submit a professional or third-party referral through the online referral form. Consent from the veteran is preferred wherever possible. 
  5. Veterans interested in activities and social opportunities can ask about attendance at the Linburn Centre or Hawkhead Centre. 

Things to check before contacting them

  • Confirm that the person needing support is a military veteran affected by sight loss or visual impairment. 
  • Have basic contact details available when making an enquiry or referral. 
  • Obtain the veteran's consent before making a referral where possible. 
  • Check current service availability and centre access arrangements directly with the organisation.