THE organisation in Fife which has spent 150 years helping people in the Kingdom with failing sight has changed its name, but Cowdenbeath Rotary Club heard on Thursday that services being offered are increasing.

'seescape' is the new operational name of Fife Society for the Blind.

After 150 years of serving those with a sight impairment in in the Kingdom, it was decided that it was time to refresh the name to take the Society in to the 21st century.

Optician with the Society, Karen Russell, was the speaker at Thursday's Rotary Club meeting and she said: "We see our mission as expanding horizons for people with sight impairment in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area and throughout the whole of Fife.

"We aim to help make sight impaired people’s lives more fulfilled by empowering them to live and interact with their families, their communities and surroundings in a positive way."

A charity with more than 150 years’ experience, seescape provides people with sight impairment with access to support services, new technology and a community of friends.

Added Karen: "Our commitment to our clients is that we will: listen and act according to their needs;

campaign for better services for people with a sight impairment; be a catalyst for change, and work in partnership to deliver sustainable projects.

"Our Sight Support Team can help you develop the skills and techniques that will help you live independently in your own home.

"We will cover every day activities such as cooking, getting around and general household chores and can advise people on the appropriate use of equipment and gadgets.

"We can also offer individual assessments and one-to-one training in the use of appropriate canes, independent travel and route planning, as well as advice on general road safety, use of public transport and confidence building. This also includes helping to advise employers the best equipment that can help in the work place with your day to day job".

On her own role as optician at the seescape base at Wilson Avenue, in Kirkcaldy, Karen added: "The Optician at seescape is an important part of our range of high quality services.

"The team specialises in low vision conditions and uses scanning and 3D imaging equipment to assess a person's sight for everyday activities, driving and sports’ requirements.

"They will assess the health of your eyes through a free NHS eye test, help you choose your specs from exclusive ranges and advise you about the help that is available.

"All profits from The Optician go back to help the charity deliver other sight services within the community".

Karen had with her a range of specs that tackle problems that affect people and stressed how seescape is geared to ensuring that people get the appropriate help to get them seeing as well they can.

Karen urged people concerned about failing eyesight to contact seescape on 01592 646728.