A HAMPSHIRE charity celebrating its 100th anniversary has received the royal seal of approval.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex visited Open Sight Hampshire to find out about the ways in which its services make a difference to the lives of visually impaired people across the county.
She tried on a pair of spectacles that simulate the impact of a condition called macular degeneration, which affects 190 million across the globe.
Also known as age-related macular degeneration, it is caused by damage to part of the retina.
Sufferers start to experience a gradual worsening of central vision in one or both eyes. The condition can make it hard to drive, read and recognise faces.
The number of people affected is likely to hit 288 million by 2040 as the proportion of pensioners in the population increases.
Open Sight Hampshire, established in 1922 as the Hampshire Association for the Care of the Blind, supports thousands of adults and children with sight conditions.
The Eastleigh-based charity provides a range of services including community-based Sight Hubs, which offer technology support and independent living advice.
During her visit, the countess spoke with visually impaired people who have been helped by Open Sight Hampshire.
She also talked to staff and volunteers as well as taking part in some of the online activities offered by the organisation.
Chief executive David McKeigue said he was delighted the countess was able to meet visually-impaired people who had benefitted from the charity's work.
He added: “Living with a sight condition can be very isolating. Even day-to-day tasks can feel daunting.
"We are incredibly proud to have helped people across the county who have a sight loss condition continue to have a fulfilling life.
"We have really enjoyed celebrating our centenary year – for any charity to reach such a milestone is a remarkable achievement. To have Her Royal Highness visit us and share in that celebration is something very special indeed."
The countess has close links with Hampshire and has paid several visits to the county.
In 2010 she travelled to Sutton Scotney, near Winchester, to open Jacksplace, which provides care for terminally ill youngsters who have outgrown the facilities at neighbouring Naomi House.
Jacksplace is named after Jack Witham, a Southampton property magnate who left it £6m.
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