Ballymoney Soroptimists met at the Hub on Thursday, September 4, when a good attendance was recorded.

President Fiona Murdock welcomed the members and then introduced the guest speaker Jonathan Adams from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Jonathan gave a summary of what his work involves within the charity including supporting blind Paralympic athletes in judo. He also works closely with Ian McClure, the international bowler, and blind bowlers from all over the province.

He gave the members some interesting facts - there are 56,000 registered blind people in Northern Ireland, 5% of them are completely blind. Only 5% can read Braille. There are only 103 guide dogs in the country.

Guest speaker Jonathan Adams from the RNIB pictured (centre) with members of the Ballymoney & District branch of Soroptimist International (from left) Jennifer Campbell, Barbara Kerr, Ruth Elliott, President Fiona Murdock, Pamela Smyth and Beth Lindsay.

placeholder image — Guest speaker Jonathan Adams from the RNIB pictured (centre) with members of the Ballymoney & District branch of Soroptimist International (from left) Jennifer Campbell, Barbara Kerr, Ruth Elliott, President Fiona Murdock, Pamela Smyth and Beth Lindsay.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is bringing about major changes for those who are blind or partially sighted. Talking glasses, for instance, can give wearers an insight into their physical surroundings.

Jonathan explained the various sight problems that people have including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and hemiopia and talked about the services within RNIB.

He informed his audience about the ECHO services, Talking Suport, the Counselling Service, Right to Read campaign and the right to employment and the equipment available from RNIB.

Jennifer Campbell gave the vote of thanks. The evening finished with members having refreshments supplied by Katherine Barr and Sharon McCaffrey. Jonathan also made himself available to answer questions from the members.