Hello I’m Becky, Head of Operations and part of the Senior Leadership Team at CamSight.

I’ve been working for the charity for 20 years this month, which is quite remarkable as I was initially employed on a temporary nine month contract! As the longest-serving member of staff, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to CamSight’s development into the respected and impactful charity it is today.

Apart from working at home during lockdown, I’ve always been office based, so I may have spoken to you on the phone or corresponded via email. I’m rarely seen outside of the office but I can be spotted out once a month organising the sensory guided walking tour at the Cambridge Botanic Garden.  

Over the years, I’ve witnessed a momentous leap forward in tech innovation. It’s transformed CamSight’s service provision to support people in living more independently at home. Assistive technology has moved on from extremely expensive and bulky pieces of equipment to mainstream accessible technology. The world’s gone SMART! Smart devices have become the norm: home devices with voice-activated assistants (“Alexa”) can control appliances; AI glasses use cameras and sensors to capture visual information and read it back to you; smart canes connect to smartphones to provide GPS navigation.  

The advances have been life changing for some, but I appreciate technology can be challenging. Thankfully, CamSight has a ‘smart’ Equipment and Accessibility Team who can help set up your devices at home and support you in using them. Our team can also show you how to turn on the accessibility features on your smart phone, tablet or computer. So, if you're struggling to use your devices, don’t hesitate to get in touch and book a home visit with our team. 

When I started at CamSight two decades ago, online fundraising was an emerging trend. Today, digital platforms and ‘scan to give’ fundraising have become the norm. QR codes are everywhere and CamSight has had to embrace these new trends to adapt and survive. 

Fundraising has never been more challenging, and everyone at CamSight is working hard to raise the £800,000 we need a year to provide our free service. Raising funds is a vital part of all our roles and I wouldn’t be fulfilling mine if I didn’t ask: 

If you're able, please scan our QR code, visit our donations page or call us to donate today! 

I'm incredibly proud of the services CamSight delivers, and of the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team of colleagues. We need your help to continue providing the best possible support to local people living with sight loss – now and for decades to come.

Thank you.