Our history
Fighting Blindness is a patient-led charity. Our mission is to cure blindness.
Over the past 40 years, we have grown from a small support group for families affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP) to a nationally recognised brand.
We are the leading Irish charity funding research into treatments for sight loss. To date, we have invested over €20 million in more than 115 research and clinical projects.
We promote and facilitate the development of treatments and cures for those affected by sight loss caused by retinal degenerative diseases.
Until our mission is accomplished, our counselling and support services continue to be available to people affected directly and indirectly by sight loss. We work in partnership with healthcare, science, industry and government to empower patients to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against blindness.
We provide professional counselling and therapeutic services for individuals and families living with vision impairment and blindness. We advocate for equity of access to timely and appropriate diagnosis, healthcare, therapies and support services and, through education and information provision, we work to empower more than 296,601* children and adults in Ireland who are blind or visually impaired.
In September 2024, Fighting Blindness moved from its previous offices on Ely Place to the offices of the National League of the Blind at 21 Hill Street. This move came as part of an agreement between the organisations to work closely together and achieve operating efficiencies. This mutually beneficial arrangement has worked out really well, with the premises at Hill Street being refurbished, Fighting Blindness staff using the office space available, and the members of the National League of the Blind — who have now become members of Fighting Blindness — continuing to use the facilities at Hill Street for a range of social and member support services.
Image Description: Black and white photo of two men holding a banner for the National League of the Blind of Ireland, on a city street. They stand solemnly, wearing long coats and hats.
The photo was taken at the top of Parnell Square probably in the Forties at the Annual Labour Day Demonstration
Fighting Blindness does not endorse any of the products, medications, treatments or information reported here, or on any of our communication platforms. Articles on Fighting Blindness websites and social media are intended for informational purposes only. We strongly advise that you discuss all medications, treatments, and/or products with your doctor.
*Source: “Census 2022 Profile 4 – Disability, Health and Carers” – Central Statistics Office. (Updated July 2024).
Additional Information:
Blind Basket Makers’ Society 1874
Index to archives of the National League of the Blind. Held at the National Archives of Ireland
Royal Commission 1889 extracts