Blind and vision-impaired veterans are reclaiming independence and confidence through a rehabilitation scheme.
Delivered by Blind Veterans UK at its Rustington centre, the Working Age Rehabilitation Programme is empowering former service personnel across the UK to adjust to sight loss, explore new opportunities and return to work.
Supported by Specsavers since 2024, the five-day scheme offers tailored support, practical skills and peer connections designed to help veterans rebuild their lives.
Steven Dixon, 47, a veteran of the 1st Battalion, The King’s Regiment, experienced a devastating deterioration in his eyesight in 2015, eventually leading to him being registered blind.
Mr Dixon said: "Just because I am blind doesn’t mean that I can’t get out there and do my part."
He has since returned to work in retail.
Shavita Kerai, 49, a former combat medic, permanently lost sight in one eye in 2019 due to complications accessing treatment during the pandemic.
Ms Kerai described her life before the programme as "just existing" but said everything changed after attending the Rustington course in 2025.
With training in IT, accessibility and peer support, she rebuilt her confidence and independence.
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Ms Kerai said: "I didn’t have a voice before. No one was listening. Being there, I was getting heard."
She now works with her local Association of Disabled People.
Ms Kerai said: "I feel independent. I feel I can have a future again."
Blind Veterans UK said the programme’s success shows that sight loss does not mean the end of independence, ambition, or employment.
Blind Veterans UK is encouraging anyone who served in the Armed Forces, including National Service and is now living with sight loss to get in touch.
To find out more, call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/apply.
Marc Breton, senior PR manager at Specsavers, said: "Specsavers is committed to changing lives through better sight and hearing and has partnered with Blind Veterans UK for over ten years.
"We’re proud to support their Working Age Rehabilitation Program, helping veterans overcome the challenges they face with sight loss."
The charity is using Armed Forces Day to highlight the lasting needs of veterans after their service and the difference specialist support can make.
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