...It is impossible to state accurately the number of people with visual impairment in the Highlands of Scotland. However, from Scottish Executive statistics, it can be roughly estimated that there are between 5,550 and 6,000 people at current levels of population. Statutory services are provided within eye clinics and these are complemented by the work of the Highland Society for the Blind in Inverness. A mobile resource unit based in Inverness travels throughout the Highlands and gives demonstrations of aids and advice on welfare issues, registration and practical challenges. There are multi-agency links for services for people with a hearing impairment, but no similar arrangements are in place for people with a visual impairment.

The Council has plans for a sensory impairment resource centre, based at the Raigmore Hospital , to create an opportunity for a multi-agency partnership for both visual and hearing impaired people. The Scottish Executive concedes that the route to services is not always clear to users and that the breadth of need is apparent, some of which extends beyond what community care services can provide. Social isolation within rural areas of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is well documented; travelling to social events can be extremely difficult for people with visual impairment as they usually unable to travel independently...

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