Kathy got involved with  Visibility Scotland three years ago when she noticed that the sight in her left eye was deteriorating, and as a result her balance was becoming unsteady. Despite needing help, Kathy was nervous to get things checked on. This is because she was also experiencing visual hallucinations, which left her unsettled and worried about her cognition. 

Bravely, she plucked up her courage and went to Specsavers. The team there referred her on to Gartnavel Hospital, where tests discovered Kathy had Charles Bonnet syndrome, a condition where vision impairment leads individuals to experience visual hallucinations – from simple patterns to complex images. This condition is not related to mental health, but it can be very anxiety inducing for people who experience it. 

When Kathy was first told her diagnosis, it totally knocked her confidence. She didn’t want to go out. She didn’t want to get the bus, talk to people or socialise. “I felt like the only person going through this.”    

Then, all that changed when her consultant told her about Visibility Scotland and the different activities that are offered. Kathy has been coming to the café for three years now, every Tuesday. “It has been a lifesaver. You meet lots of people who have been through the same thing as you – it’s a lifesaver!” 

Kathy went on to describe the gadgets and tools she has bought for her house to become confident in the kitchen, items such as one-cup pourers and knife guards have given her back independence and trust in herself. When asked what her advice was for anyone who might be in a similar situation, Kathy responded “Come to the café on a Tuesday, you meet so many people who are in the same position as you. Even if you don’t want to take part in chatting, everyone is there for each other. It is like one big community. The staff are so friendly too!” 

Visibility Scotland’s Charged Up Café.

Our weekly café runs between 10 AM and 1:30 PM every Tuesday and 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM every Friday at our head office: 2 Queen’s Crescent, Glasgow G4 9BW.

Come along and enjoy some free soup with bread and some tasty sweet treats. You can also charge up your electronic devices free of charge.  It’s a great way to meet and chat with other vision impaired people and find out more about our services.

Please note that we have now implemented a booking system due to high demand. To book a spot, please call us on 0800 987 1087 or email us at info@nullvisibilityscotland.org.uk