Dave Smith

My name is Dave Smith and I’m the Engagement Manager for the South East. I have Retinitis Pigmentosa and Retinal Telangiectasia and was registered blind in 1997. My sight deteriorated massively through my 20s and 30s  and, for the past 10 or so years, I’ve had little useful vision (light perception on a good day).  

I have worked in the disability sector for over 25 years, working for other sight loss and pan disability charities as well as being a partner in a private training business for several years.

My interests outside of work include cooking, gardening, cycling (tandem) and I continue to have a childhood interest in cars and transport including Formula 1 racing and look forward to the days when autonomous cars are available to blind people.

Lauren Eade

Lauren is the Sight Loss Council Coordinator for South East England.

After experiencing sight problems for many years, she was eventually diagnosed with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) in 2020 and registered
as partially sighted. CVI is the commonest cause of childhood vision impairment in England, but many barriers exist to getting a diagnosis and support.

Lauren’s experiences have made her passionate about improving access for blind and partially sighted people across all areas of life. She was previously a member of East Sussex Sight Loss Council and joined Thomas Pocklington Trust in 2024.

In her spare time, Lauren enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and walking in the local countryside.

Chris Webb

Chris was diagnosed with a Chorio-Retinal disease in 2010, affecting his central vision. He was later registered sight impaired in 2016 and severely sight impaired in 2021.

Chris had a successful career in the health and nature conservation sectors, a journey he is eager to continue in his role as a Sight Loss Council volunteer.

Chris said: “I am excited to serve as a member on Hampshire Sight Loss Council. I look forward to using my personal journey with sight loss, experience in the public service sector and passion for inclusivity to enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals in Hampshire.”

Eunice Pfupajena

Eunice lives in Southampton with her family and was registered severely sight impaired in 2016 due to a condition called uveitis.

Eunice worked as a nurse supporting elderly people before retiring in 2008 due to a decline in sight. Before nursing, she worked in forensic science, medical research and as a pharmaceutical representative, mainly dealing with vaccines.

In her spare time, Eunice enjoys walking and swimming. She also enjoys listening to podcasts relating to the mind, body, and soul.

Eunice said: “I am looking forward to joining Hampshire Sight Loss Council. I am passionate about sharing experiences and seek to raise awareness for blind and partially sighted people within my community and wider society.”

Ian Morris

Ian learned he was visually impaired on his driving test over 30 years ago following a near miss and was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. His sight loss has left him with only light and dark perception, but he doesn’t let this hold him back.

Ian currently works as Head of Service for a local sight loss charity after holding senior leadership roles at Guide Dogs following a 20-year career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Outside of work, Ian, known as ‘Tiny’, is a passionate blind cricketer, accomplished BBQ chef, and podcaster. Ian said:

“In my career, I have worked in roles to improve people’s lives. The work of Sight Loss Councils is to ensure the voice of the VI community is at the heart of everything, ensuring every person with sight loss can maximise their opportunities in life.”

Lisa Hollyhead

Lisa was born with a rare eye condition called Achromatopsia and has been registered blind since birth. Shen then became deafblind in her mid-thirties.

As CEO of the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind, Lisa leads the 160-year-old charity using her “living” experience to put their members at the forefront of everything they do.

Prior to taking on this role, Lisa was the owner manager of Farringford, the former home of Alfred Lord Tennyson followed by becoming the CEO of a Wireless internet company set up with two fellow partners.

Lisa was also the first Registered Blind woman to ever qualify as a Chartered Accountant in the UK.

Lisa said: “I am looking forward to joining Hampshire Sight Loss Council as I am a huge believer in the right help at the right time and treating everyone as unique individuals being the key to success.

At Isle of Wight Society for the Blind, we aim to fulfil our member’s desires and wishes as well as their practical needs. I hope I can bring both experience and practical help to Hampshire Sight Loss Council for the benefit of all.”

Kate Healey

Kate’s eye condition is Retinopathy of Prematurity, known as ROP for short.

Kate lives in Winchester with her partner and enjoys being busy and leading an active life.  She is in no way a Michelin-star chef, but she loves cooking and having a go at making an occasional cake (usually something chocolatey.)

Kate’s main passion is sailing, and she enjoys the challenges it presents and the lessons it teaches you about living in the moment.  Kate is also passionate about train travel, which is convenient, as this is how she usually travels to training weekends with Blind Sailing UK,

Kate’s extensive experience living with sight loss led her to join the Hampshire Sight Loss Council.  Her goal is to collaborate with local organizations to enhance the accessibility of Hampshire’s transport networks. She also aims to empower others to advocate for themselves and the visually impaired community.

Become a Sight Loss Council Member

We’re always looking for new members to join our council. If you’re blind or partially sighted, live anywhere in East Sussex and are passionate about improving services for blind and partially sighted people, then we want to hear from you.