RNIB See Differently Awards celebrate inspiring and innovative work to support people with sight loss

A number of people and organisations from across the UK who have worked to make the world a more inclusive place for people with sight loss were celebrated at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) See Differently Awards.

Hosted by standup comedian, Jamie MacDonald, the awards, which took place at 8 Northumberland Avenue in central London, spotlighted exceptional people across seven categories.

Presenters included British actor Alistair Petrie, content creator and disability advocate Lucy Edwards, and TV personality Simon Minty. A musical set was also performed by Kelsey Ellison, who is a singer and content creator.

RNIB CEO Matt Stringer said: “The RNIB See Differently Awards celebrate the amazing stories and achievements of so many people and organisations who generously share their lived experience and professional knowledge.

“A huge congratulations to all our See Differently Award winners. Whether it’s in the world of employment, the world of influencing, or the world of generating more volunteers, there are some cracking stories to tell, and the ceremony was a great way to trumpet real achievement.”

Bringing together a host of people across the UK, the awards recognised exceptional individuals and teams across seven categories: Campaigner of the Year, Eye Care Professional of the Year, Best Content Creator of the Year, Team of the Year, Employer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Design for Everyone Award.

Jamie MacDonald, who has sight loss, said: “It was an honour to host the RNIB See Differently Awards. The ceremony highlighted that there are so many people doing great things – all worthy winners. Society is moving in a positive direction for blind and partially sighted people, like myself.”

The shortlisted finalists were awarded across seven categories: Campaigner of the Year, sponsored by Microsoft, Eye Care Professional of the Year, supported by Roche, Best Content Creator of the Year, supported by Netflix, Team of the Year, sponsored by Meta, Employer of the Year, sponsored by T&Pm, Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Woods Valldata, and Design for Everyone Award, sponsored by Red Bee Media. A 6th Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented.

Two nominees received a Highly Commended Award on the night. Dr Harry Petrushkin (Highly Commended Eye Care Professional of the Year), and Judith Barton (Highly Commended Volunteer of the Year). Dr Harry Petrushkin is a consultant ophthalmologist, specialising in uveitis, a type of inflammatory eye disease. Dr Harry has been commended for creating new solutions for existing eye problems, its innovation and impact. Judith is recognised for being a long-standing volunteer of forty years for SeeScape and has helped reduce its waiting list by more than half. She has also supported rehabilitation and teaching people braille.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: "We are delighted to support the RNIB See Differently Awards. It's a fantastic opportunity to spotlight all the great work that is happening in the sight loss sector. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners; your contributions are a shining example of how we can work together to make a life-changing impact for blind and partially sighted people."

All media enquiries to the RNIB press office on 0207 391 2223 or [email protected] For urgent enquiries out-of-hours, please call 07968 482812.

RNIB See Differently Awards winners:

• Margaret Rees – Campaigner of the Year Award
• Dr Jane Macnaughton – Eye Care Professional of the Year
• Molly Watt – Best Content Creator of the Year
• SeeAbility’s Special Schools Eye Care Team – Team of the Year Award
• Tesco – Employer of the Year Award
• Suzie Simons – Volunteer of the Year Award
• Rebecca Atkinson for Mixmups – Design for Everyone Award
• Sir Robin Millar CBE - 6th Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Awar

We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality, and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.

RNIB. See differently. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk