Eye Society relaunch

Macclesfield Eye Society has officially relaunched as East Cheshire Eye Society, to better reflect the geographical area served by the charity, and local MP, David Rutley, joined volunteers, service users, and staff, to celebrate this important occasion at an event at the charity’s Queen Victoria Street headquarters in Macclesfield.

David spoke at the start of the event, and praised the important work undertaken by the Society to support blind and partially-sighted people and those affected by sight loss in and around local communities to live better. Following this, David was given a tour of the charity’s Resource Centre by Charity Manager Alan Chappell, to view the facilities available for service users. This includes: demonstrations of a range of products to assist those with sight loss, such as talking clocks and watches, liquid level indicators, over-glasses sunglasses, magnifiers, large lined notepads, electronic magnifiers and other technical equipment to make life easier; IT information, with one-to-one support available; support for people with sight loss in the workplace; general financial advice; and literature on support in relation to medical conditions.

Mr Chappell set out how the 140 year-old organisation’s name change was prompted by the wish to ensure that all those affected by sight loss in East Cheshire are aware of and able to access valuable services available to them, and also so that possible sponsors and donors outside of the immediate Macclesfield area might be made aware of the role the charity might play in their area, to encourage more donations. The decision to change the charity’s name was made in consultation with its volunteers, service users, partners and staff.

The charity is also currently looking for new Trustees, to assist it in taking forward its important work. Local residents interested in becoming a Trustee can contact the Society by telephone on 01625 422 602. Anyone seeking support from East Cheshire Eye Society can visit the Queen Victoria Street Resource Centre (nearby to Macclesfield Bus Station) anytime from Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 1.30pm, where staff are able to advise on the full range of specialist equipment which can help people live as independently as possible.

Speaking after the event, David said, “It was a pleasure to join service users, volunteers and staff to celebrate the relaunch of Macclesfield Eye Society as East Cheshire Eye Society. For over 140 years, the charity has assisted people affected by sight loss across north-east Cheshire to live better and more fulfilling lives, and I look forward to continuing to support its future endeavours in the months ahead. I would encourage any local residents who feel they might benefit from the charity’s services to visit its Resource Centre, to find out more.”