Sight-loss charity strengthens senior team with two new appointments

A Hampshire sight-loss charity has welcomed two new members to its senior leadership team.

Ian Morris and Gemma McKnight have taken up new roles at Open Sight.

Mr Morris will be the head of service, a new position in the charity, and Ms McKnight will be the new head of income generation and communications.

Mr Morris brings more than 20 years of experience from the private and public sectors, with previous employment at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Based in Portsmouth, Mr Morris has personal experience of living with a visual impairment after losing his sight to a rare eye disease.

Mr Morris said: "The charity has a rich history and helps a lot of people across the county.

"I'm looking forward to developing our services even further to meet the needs of people with visual impairments and ensure that whenever anyone needs support it is available."

Ms McKnight brings more than a decade of experience in fundraising, communications, and event organization.

Ms McKnight said: "Philanthropy has a huge part to play in a charity’s activities.

"I'm delighted to be joining Open Sight Hampshire to enhance their fundraising and communications activity.

"We have an exciting opportunity to diversify our income and sustain the vital services we provide."

Chris Dixon, chief executive, said: "The appointment of Ian and Gemma reinforces our commitment to move the organisation forward and raise its profile within Hampshire.

"Ian will bring skills, knowledge and lived experience that will be vital in this journey and Gemma will support us to identify funds."

Established more than a century ago, Open Sight Hampshire provides a varied range of services to assist adults and children with various sight conditions.

From teaching children about sight loss prevention in schools to advice and technology support, the charity has a long history of aiding Hampshire's visually impaired community.