A charity and a holistic wellness centre have announced a new partnership to provide free counselling support for people affected by vision loss.

Solstice and Vision Bermuda will offer dedicated women's and men's support groups, safe and supportive spaces where people living with vision loss can connect with others who understand what they are going through.

The partnership is being announced on World Sight Day, which this year is marked under the theme #LoveYourEyes and encourages people to make their eye health a priority.

Erica Ingemann, executive director of Vision Bermuda, said vision loss can affect almost every part of a person's life.

“Vision loss, whether gradual or sudden, can have a profound impact on someone's independence, confidence and connection to the world around them, which in some instances can lead to loneliness and isolation.

“At Vision Bermuda, we help our clients develop the skills, tools and confidence to continue living full and independent lives.

“The counselling offered through Solstice will give them somewhere to talk through some of those changes as they adjust to vision loss.”

Vision loss is often thought of as something people are born with or develop later in life, but it can happen to anyone, at any age.

Illness, injury, diabetes, glaucoma and other medical conditions can all lead to sight loss, sometimes gradually and sometimes without warning.

Vision Bermuda supports people at every stage of life who are blind or experiencing vision loss through training, assistive technology, support groups and home visits, helping them maintain their independence and stay connected to their communities.

Meanwhile, Solstice provides mental health and wellbeing support to children, adolescents, adults and families across Bermuda.

It also works with organisations across the community to make support more accessible and reach people who may not otherwise come through its doors.

Kelly Madeiros, managing director of Solstice, said: “We believe mental health support should extend beyond the walls of Solstice and into the community.

“Vision Bermuda already knows its clients and their needs, and we can bring our mental health expertise to complement the work they are doing. We are very pleased to be able to partner with and offer this support to Vision Bermuda and its clients.”

• For more information visit the Vision Bermuda and Solstice websites