RNIB Conversations

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Barry Snell has been chatting to many of the exhibitors & managed to catch up with Ian Kennedy from Sight & Sound Technology.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. At Sight Village Scotland, David Hogg spoke to Sight Scotland before the event started.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Barry Snell learns why African and Caribbean communities are especially at risk of developing the sight loss condition Glaucoma . He is talking to Robyn Asprey from Glaucoma UK and also to Chuckwudike Ukeje, who's own family was affected when his father was diagnosed with the debilitating eye disease. To find out more about Glaucoma click here Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

This week Hubert speaks to Jannette Scott, and finds out about some of her many guide dogs, and why she decided to apply.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Ex-Paralympian Richard Burt who is about to take on an epic trek from Brighton to Salisbury, to raise money for the charity Wiltshire Sight. Barry Snell caught up with him to find out more. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Dawn Blezard recently took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in support of the Macular Society.She shared with our Paulina Kuchorew how it went and why she chose to tackle the mountains.Image description: four people pose by a summit stone on top of one of the peaks. They're all wearing bright yellow Macular Society t-shirts over hoodies and long sleeve shirts. From left to right: Sharon, Andy, Lisa, and finally Dawn. The sky above is clouded over but the group is smiling brightly.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: The Devil Wears Prada - Thursday 15 May, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Dominion Theatre, London Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One & Two - Saturday 17 may, Part One 2pm, Part Two 7pm, touch tour 11am, Palace theatre, London Six the Musical - Saturday 31 May, 4pm, touch tour 2.30pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester Dealer’s Choice - Saturday 31 May, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Donmar Warehouse, London Shucked - Saturday 7 June, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Regent’s Park Open air Theatre, London To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Birmingham Talking Newspapers For Blind and Visually Impaired (BTNBVI) are keen to attract new listeners in the Birmingham and surrounding area.Barry Snell caught up with volunteer John Rae to find out more.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Barry Snell catches up with a former soldier Tony Haskey, who has been getting creative with ways to remember our fallen soldiers and also to raise money for the charity Blind Veterans UK. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

We do hear a lot about new medicines being released but what about if you have a reaction or a side effect to that new medicine? For this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about reactions and side affects to new medicines Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey all about how the health authorities gather information about side effects and reactions to new medicines. Then Elizabeth talked about how we as members of the general public can report any side effects we might be experiencing from new medicines and whether there is more care taken with new medicines that our on the market. Finally Toby asked Elizabeth whether she had ever reported a side effect to a new medicine that a patient may have been prescribed. For more about using the Yellow Card system to report any reactions or side affects you might be experiencing from a new medicine do visit - https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.co Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Barry Snell caught up with charity fundraiser Blind Dave Heeley who recently completed his 17th & final London Marathon. An emotional Dave, who was was joined for the race by his 3 daughters, feels it was a fitting way to bow out.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Physics Graduate Eilidh Morrison has a huge passion for outer space and the wider universe, she has been sharing her story with RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Returning to this years BBS UK Annual Conference, Hubert grabbed a word with chair of trustees Emma Hughes to get her closing thoughts on her first conference as chair of trustees. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

In this podcast, Hubert is back at the BBS UK Annual Conference 2025 in Northampton, as he chats to Dr Elizabeth Forsythe about a new drug being tried out which could help with another aspect of the genetic syndrome BBS.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Hubert went along to the 32nd BBS UK Annual Conference which took place in Northampton and aims to support friends and family, and people with the genetic syndrome BBS. There he spoke to Professor Phil Beales about the genetic side of the syndrome, plus about a therapy that’s being worked on to help the vision loss side of the syndrome.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Retrograde - Saturday 3 May, 7.30pm, Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, LondonChicago - Saturday 10 May, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffCruel Intentions - Thursday 15 May, 7.30pm, Hull New TheatreThe Play That Goes Wrong - Friday 23 May, 7.30pm, The Duchess Theatre, LondonNorthern Ballet: Jane Eyre - Saturday 24 May, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Norwich Theatre RoyalTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

A partnership between Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter and Guide Dogs UK is helping to make a magical experience more accessible for Harry Potter fans. Joining Paulina Kuchorew to share her experience of visiting the studios with her guide dog Mabel is Luci Franks. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Although the weather seems to be a bit up and down at the moment with some great days of sunshine but some rainy days too, now is the time of year when we get into hay fever season. So for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about hay fever and how best to treat it. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey exactly what hay fever is and the main symptoms to look out for too. Then to the importance of treating the symptoms of hay fever and ending with some ways on how best to prevent hay fever. You will find more about hay fever on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.co Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Hamilton - Thursday 17 April, 2pm, touch tour 1pm, Mayflower Theatre, SouthamptonThe Forsythe Programme - Saturday 19 April, 2.30pm, Sadler’s Wells, LondonUnicorn - Saturday 19 April, 7.30pm, Garrick Theatre, LondonThe Capulets and the Montagues - Saturday 26 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.10pm, The Lighthouse, PooleOliver! - Saturday 26 April, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Gielgud Theatre, LondonCompany - Saturday 26 April, 7.30pm, Buxton Opera HouseTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

The Importance of local sight charities can never be understated. The same goes for the importance of volunteers for these charities, as is proven with the case of Herts Vision loss whom thanks to their volunteers, have been awarded the King's Award For Voluntary Service. In this podcast Hubert speaks to the charity CEO to find out just how much this means to them. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: The Shark is Broken - Tuesday 8 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Theatre Royal Brighton Richard II - Saturday 12 April, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.25pm, Bridge theatre, London Only Fools And Horses The Musical - Wednesday 16 April, 7.30pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury The Lion Inside - Thursday 17 April, 2pm, touch tour 1.15pm, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London Here & Now - Friday 18 April, 2.30pm, Norwich Theatre Royal My First Ballet: Swan Lake - Thursday24 April, 1.30pm, Peacock Theatre, London To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

We do hear from time to time about shortages of medicines in our local Pharmacy which has come up again recently in the news. So for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we are going to find out a bit more about why this happens and what our Pharmacist do to make sure that we do still manage to get the regular medications that we need. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB connect Radio’s Toby Davey the reasons why these shortages of medicines happen from time to time and what our local Pharmacist does when these shortages do occur. Then to some reassurances about the fact that your local Pharmacist will always let you know as a visually impaired patient of any changes to your regular medications. Toby ended this week’s check in by asking Elizabeth for her thoughts and comments about reports in the news that a large number of community pharmacies in England are being advised to start working to rule from 1 April which could include stopping deliveries of medicines. To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. Find out more about the survey here: https://retinauk.org.uk/event/sight-loss-survey-2025/

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

With recent news about issues regarding home testing kits for certain diseases, for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about the effectiveness and usefulness of home testing kits for certain diseases.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth what she felt about home testing kits for diseases like diabetes, bowel cancer, coeliac disease and vitamin D tests about whether they work and how reliable are they. For many blind and partially sighted people to be able to use the tests and read the results like with doing the Covid test there would be the need more than likely of some sighted assistance.To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Vital Signs: Another World is Possible - recorded audio-described guide, until 17 May, Science Gallery LondonHamilton - Saturday 15 March, 2.30pm, Victoria Palace Theatre, LondonTina - The Tina Turner Musical, Thursday 20 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Curve Theatre, LeicesterThe Years - Saturday 22 March, 2.30pm, Harold Pinter Theatre, LondonMuch Ado About Nothing - Saturday 29 March, 2.30pm, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, LondonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

World Glaucoma Week (WGW), runs from 9–15 March, uniting health organisations and charities worldwide to raise awareness about glaucoma. This year, Glaucoma UK is encouraging people to prioritise their eye health by booking an eye test, learning more about the disease, or spreading the word. Barry Snell spoke to Glaucoma UK's Robyn Asprey to find out more. To learn more about Glaucoma UK and the service they provide, click here Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Hubert went along to an exclusive screening of Daredevil Born Again. He managed to catch up with Livi and Leon from the very popular show the Traitors, and got their opinions on the show they’ve just watched. He also asked them what they’d like to see done to help blind and partially sighted people in society.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Kinky Boots - Thursday 6 March, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.20pm, Norwich Theatre Royal & Juliet - Wednesday 12 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm and Friday 14 March, 7.30pm, New Victoria Theatre, Woking Inside No. 9 - Thursday 13 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Wyndham’s Theatre, London Calamity Jane - Saturday 15 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Three Sisters - Monday 17 March, 7.30pm, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe, London Northern Ballet: Jane Eyre - Saturday 22 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

This week for our regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about keeping on top of our medications. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth about why we need to take some medications before or after eating, and whether some drinks or food have an affect on the medications we take. Ending with some hints on the best way to keep track of the medications you are taking including a couple of accessible pill pots that are available from the RNIB online shop. More details about the two pill pots can be found by visiting the following pages of the RNIB online shop - https://shop.rnib.org.uk/collections/pill-organisers To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.