An exhibition is highlighting the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by people with vision loss.
Cardiff University, the Wales Council of the Blind, Sight Life, and Anglia Ruskin University have come together to launch Eight Voices in Darkness, an art installation exploring the impact of sight loss on mental health.
The exhibition aims to highlight the high rates of depression and anxiety among people who are blind or partially sighted.
Dr Claire Nollett, research fellow and academic lead for public involvement and engagement in Cardiff University’s School of Medicine, said: "By 2030, 2.7 million UK individuals will have untreatable vision impairment leading to significant disability.
"In 2011, the prevalence of depression in people with visual impairment was the highest for any patient group at 43 per cent, and of those, 75 per cent were not in receipt of any treatment."
Eight Voices in Darkness shares personal stories of individuals living with visual impairment and depression, using photography and sound to bring their experiences to life.
The portraits featured in the exhibition were taken by members of Sight Life’s photography club.
Dr Nollett said: "Building on previous projects that we have run, we aim to raise awareness of the impact of vision impairment on mental health, and knowledge of how to address it, with professionals, including ophthalmologists, nurses, eye clinic liaison officers, rehabilitation workers, charity staff – as well as the public.
"Our exhibition will include an art installation incorporating lived experience stories and portraits taken by Sight Life’s photography club.
"It will be followed up with an audio-based film for widespread dissemination."
The exhibition, designed by local artist Richard Bowers, is open to the public at Chapter Art Centre, Cardiff from November 6 to 8, 2025, between 10am and 9pm.
It is free to attend, and no booking is required.
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