Léonie Watson joins the RNIB Open Your Eyes Campaign and Speaks Out About Preventable Blindness
Léonie Watson appeared on Radio 1 newsbeat throughout the day on 24th January 2006, describing how some cases of blindness could be prevented by looking after your health and managing conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma. Léonie is working with the RNIB on the Open Your Eyes campaign, aiming to put an end to preventable blindness by 2020. Léonie lost her sight to diabetic retinopathy in 2001 and has subsequently become a leader in the area of web accessibility.
Léonie’s work with Nomensa ensures that people with disabilities, such as visual impairment, are able to use Internet technologies and web sites as easily as everyone else. It is essentail that their experience on the Internet is as rich and inclusive as possible. The first hand experience and in-depth knowledge of accessibility issues and assistive technologies that Léonie brings to the Nomensa team are invaluable, offering clients a unique insight into how their web site meets the needs of all its users.
Ignorance is quietly robbing people of their sight every day. Unless action is taken now, thousands of people in the UK will this year needlessly lose their sight from conditions that could be treated if caught early.
The Government needs to act now as the situation is going to get much worse with the explosion in the numbers of people with diabetes and as a result of the ageing of our population.
- Steve Winyard, RNIB’s Head of Campaigns.
About the RNIB Open Your Eyes campaign
Nine out of ten people fear losing their sight above any other sense but one in three still failed to have an eye test in the last two years.
We call on the Government to invest in a large-scale eye health awareness campaign, improved community and hospital eye services and improved support for those who have experienced sight loss. The Open Your Eyes campaign was launched at an event in the Houses of Parliament on 24 January 2006.
RNIB's Open Your Eyes campaign is generously supported by The Pears Foundation.
For more information, please contact Nomensa.
Visit the accessibility section to learn more about Nomensa's accessibility services.
About NomensaEstablished in 2001, Nomensa is the digital agency which specialises in perfecting online user experience. It combines usability, accessibility and strong web development skills to help public and private sector clients develop online strategies, be more inclusive and accountable.
Nomensa has a research based methodology that put people at the centre of its activities. Everything it does focuses on understanding the experience people have when using technology.
Nomensa works with FTSE 250 companies, Central Government Departments, Local Authorities and Councils, and leading Universities, as well as several other organisations in the finance, IT and charity sectors.
