02 May 2025
How artificial intelligence (AI) can transform the day-to-day experiences of those with visual impairments was the theme of Westminster’s Vis-Ability event this week (30 April).
Speaking at the event, Fight for Sight chief executive, Keith Valentine, explained how “the advent of artificial intelligence is revolutionising the experiences of people who are blind and visually impaired.”
He emphasised, however, that there is work to be done to ensure that the technology is available to everyone who might benefit from it.
“As powerful as the technology is, it’s the conversations we have now that ensure everyone has the same opportunities, including access to technology, regardless of vision loss,” Valentine said.
Vis-Ability is an annual event, and this year saw more than 140 tech sector leaders, MPs, and members of the visually impaired community attend.
Speakers included Neil Heslop OBE, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, Alison McGovern MP, the employment minister, and Léonie Watson, director of TetraLogical.
It was hosted by Fight for Sight, alongside MP Marsha de Cordova.
The event also emphasised the importance of assistive technology remaining affordable and user-led.
Technology demonstrated included Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, integrated with the Be My Eyes app, which enables users with visual impairments to access visual information hands-free.
Darren Paskell, assistive technology business partner at Guide Dogs, has been registered as severely sight impaired for his whole life.
Paskell said: “Accessible technology makes all the difference. Tools like screen readers, magnification software and AI open up possibilities that simply didn’t exist before.
“It’s not just about using a computer — it’s about connecting with the world and taking control of my independence.”
How AI can improve independence
Vis-Ability 2025 also highlighted how AI can help people with visual impairments into employment.
The Government has a target of 80% of the general population being in employment by the end of the current parliament.
Alison McGovern MP spoke as part of a panel at the event.
She noted how AI can assist staff in job centres when they are helping those with visual impairments find work.
“It’s exciting that AI can save so much time for our frontline staff by reducing bureaucracy, meaning we can spend more time focusing on the people who need us most,” McGovern said.
“We want to put power and choice into people’s hands so they can access the support that works best for them.”
Mike Buckley, chairman and CEO of Be My Eyes, noted that 75% of people who are blind or visually impaired are “unemployed or underemployed.”
AI will “open remarkable possibilities for accessibility needs,” he said.
However, he emphasised that “we can and must do better,” adding that there is an opportunity to make accessible technology work for individuals, for Government and for enterprises, if technology companies and charities work together.
There are now more than 800,000 users on the Be My Eyes app, Buckley said, with 8.5 million global volunteers. 15,000 people are joining the app monthly, he added.
De Cordova said: “I was delighted to host Vis-Ability in Parliament and drive forward discussion on how we can collectively harness the power of AI to enable visually impaired people to thrive.
“While we now have the technology we need, it’s clear that barriers remain. It’s essential that the public sector, private providers, and advocacy groups work together and in partnership with individuals living with vision loss to overcome these barriers and create meaningful change.’’
The Keith Valentine episode
In the third episode of The OT Podcast, we speak to the chief executive of Fight for Sight, Keith Valentine
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