The Bermuda Society for the Blind has changed its name to Vision Bermuda to make more clear its mission to help everyone with sight problems.

David Petty, the charity’s chairman, said that the name coincided with a drive to provide improved services and more technological assistance to its clients.

Mr Petty said: “There is a growing population of not only people who are blind, but also with low or decreasing vision. Living with vision impairment can be isolating and complex.

“Our new name is a testament to the support that we pledge to help guide people who are experiencing vision impairment of all forms through their journey to regain independence and make social connections.”

The new name came after a Private Member’s Bill designed to give the charity the power to expand its services was passed in the House of Assembly.

Mr Petty said “Now we offer so many more services that bring us up to speed with the 21st century and able to support both the vision-impaired and the blind community of Bermuda.”

The organisation started as a social group for the blind in 1954 and was established as the Bermuda Society for the Blind in 1957.

Mr Petty explained: “We, as Bermuda Society for the Blind, were focused on the blind and thanks to the work we have done on the Act, it now recognises that we are supporting members of the vision-impaired community as well as the blind.”

“It is our intention to help those people who are looking for support, helping them with vision-rehabilitation therapy, adjustment to challenges professionally and at home, and provide them with technology to help them.”

Mary Croke, who has had sight problems for almost four years, welcomed the increased use of technology.

Ms Croke, who worked in accounts at Bermuda College for 19 years, said: “I think Vision Bermuda is probably going to be at the top of its game right now because it’s assisting us with computers.

“We are using iPhones to communicate and to phone our friends and relatives and to do business.”

“This is opening that door which I haven’t opened for 3½ years. Now, it’s just fabulous.”

Ms Croke added: “I just finished going on WebMD because I like to look at things and I’m just trying to follow the measles epidemic right now. I wasn’t able to do that before.”

Clifton Lambert, another member, said: “Going to Vision Bermuda, it just opened up a new life for me.”

Mr Lambert, who had sight problems and then went blind, added: “It’s wonderful. Anyone who has a vision problem should come because it will enhance their life. It’s improved my life tremendously.

Mr Lambert said: “Vision Bermuda is just a wonderful place. It does this community a world of good.

“It helps the vision impaired to be as independent as they possibly can. That eases up the pressure of you bothering your family for everything.”

He said the name change would help people who were not blind but suffered eyesight problems feel more comfortable about seeking help.

Mr Lambert added: “People should not be ashamed or frightened and feel insecure by coming to Vision Bermuda because it’s a good meeting place ... it just changes your life and gives you a lot more freedom.”

Vince Godber, a vision rehabilitation therapist at Vision Bermuda, said: “In the past, people have waited until they had no vision to come to us for help, now we are approaching people earlier.”

Dudley Cottingham, of charity the Lions Club, a backer of Vision Bermuda, welcomed the name change.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted to see the society offering the programmes that we long thought should be offered.”