RNIB announces actor Victoria Smurfit as new president

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has announced Irish actor Victoria Smurfit as its new president.

Smurfit is a well-known face on British and Irish television, including with a leading role on Disney+’s Rivals in 2024.

She has a personal connection to the RNIB, after her daughter Evie, now aged 21, was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy as a child.

Smurfit’s father, Dr Dermot Smurfit, is also an RNIB vice president.

As president of the RNIB, Smurfit will work to strengthen relationships with supporters and volunteers, engage the charity’s key partners, and champion RNIB’s campaigns and services.

She will also support the RNIB’s work to deliver progress across its five impact areas: eye health and eye care, skills and tools for life, getting around, employment, and education.

The announcement came as the current president, Dame Gail Ronson DBE, stepped down after 14 years.

Ronson has been awarded the role of honorary president, allowing her to continue her involvement with the charity.

RNIB

Dame Gail Ronson DBE and Victoria Smurfit inspecting the tactile signage on a tour of the RNIB’s Grimaldi building in London

Anna Tylor, chair of trustees at the RNIB, said: “We’re immensely grateful to Dame Gail Ronson DBE for her tireless support over the last 14 years. During this time, she has generated millions in philanthropic support and played a crucial role in our services going from strength to strength.

“I’m thrilled to announce Victoria Smurfit as our new president. Victoria has a deep personal connection to our work and will be essential in ensuring we continue to support and empower blind and partially sighted people.”

Smurfit said: “Over two million people in the UK live with vision impairment – one of those is my daughter, Evie.

“As a result, I have seen first-hand how many barriers exist in our society for blind and partially sighted people, and how essential the RNIB’s support and services are.”

She added: “I am honoured to be stepping into the role of president. Dame Gail Ronson DBE has made an exceptional impact over the last 14 years, and I am determined to keep up the momentum she has generated to keep driving change for more people than ever before.”