In April, SeeAbility was generously hosted at the historic Windsor Castle by our Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. Over 140 people were in attendance, including The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH (SeeAbility's Vice President), people supported by SeeAbility and their families, SeeAbility Trustees, colleagues from across the charity and supporters.

The event was held to highlight our new “From moments missed to moments that matter” campaign, which draws attention to the eye care needs of people with learning disabilities. Today, there are over 800,000 people with learning disabilities in the UK living with a sight problem, with as many as half not getting the support they need. As Lisa Hopkins, SeeAbility’s CEO, put it in her speech:

“That is a population roughly 12 times the size of Windsor, living with a need that too often goes unrecognised.”

The event taking place at Windsor Castle carried a significance that reaches beyond the setting itself. Our charity was granted Royal Patronage by King George V in 1911, marking a long-standing relationship built on shared values and public service.

The occasion provided a space to reflect on the responsibility that comes with that history, and on SeeAbility’s enduring focus on ensuring that the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss are recognised and heard – not overlooked or left behind.

In his remarks, Sir John candidly shared his own family’s experience of sight loss, reflecting on his father’s visual impairment and the role he often played as a young boy in supporting his father to interpret and navigate the world. Sir John spoke about how easily sight loss can go unnoticed, and how vital it is that people with learning disabilities receive the right support early, ensuring that fewer people miss moments that matter.

We also had the privilege of welcoming Robyn Baxter to the event, who shared the story of her brother Leon – a young person who was supported by SeeAbility at a special school. Through the support of our Special Schools Eye Care Service, Leon experienced first-hand how access to the right eye care can transform how a person experiences the world. Once unable to see clearly beyond his nearby surroundings, Leon now has the glasses he needs, missing fewer moments and creating new memories – increasing his confidence and widening his world.

The evening reached a moving crescendo with a performance by Lucy the Pianist, who was introduced by our Charity Patron Helen Fospero. Lucy is a BAFTA-nominated musician who is blind and neurodivergent. Her performance brought the themes of the night together in a way words alone could not, offering a vivid reminder of what people with disabilities can achieve when their talent is recognised, nurtured and supported.

Our “From moments missed to moments that matter” campaign recognises that small moments can lead to lasting change – whether that’s an accessible eye test at an early age, receiving the right glasses or even timely advice. These moments can open doors to independence, increased confidence, and wider opportunities that may otherwise remain closed. As Lisa reflected in her closing remarks:

“You have the ability to bring attention to what is too often overlooked, and to help ensure that fewer moments are missed, and more moments that matter are seen, experienced, and remembered.”

We are sincerely grateful to The Duchess of Gloucester, Sir John Major, and the entire Windsor Castle team for their generosity and hospitality, and for making everyone feel so welcome throughout the evening.

If you would like to discover more about our “From moments missed to moments that matter” campaign, and discuss how you might help us to change lives, please contact James Hay, Head of Strategic Partnerships.