  the royal national institute of blind people (rnib) is a uk charity offering information, support and advice to almost two million people in the uk with sight loss.rnib == history == the rnib was founded by thomas rhodes armitage, a doctor who suffered from eyesight problems. in 1868 dr armitage founded an organisation known as the british and foreign society for improving embossed literature for the blind.history of rnib this later became the british and foreign blind association. in 1875 her majesty queen victoria became the organisation's first patron. the organisation received a royal charter in 1948, and changed its name to royal national institute for the blind in 1953. in 2002, rnib membership was introduced and the organisation's name changed to royal national institute of the blind. in june 2007 the organisation changed its name again, to royal national institute of blind people. == organisation == rnib is a national organization with branches and services throughout the united kingdom including northern ireland. the charity's headquarters are in london, england. rnib's patron is queen elizabeth ii. in october 2008, rnib and action for blind people agreed in principle to combine some services across england. the new arrangement began in april 2009, resulting in action for blind people becoming an associate charity of rnib.association with action for blind people === vision and mission ===  rnib's vision is of a world in which blind and partially sighted people enjoy the same rights, freedom, responsibilities and quality of life as people who are fully sighted.rnib's organisation rnib's mission is to challenge blindness by empowering people who are blind or partially sighted, removing the barriers they face and helping to prevent blindness. === membership === in 2002 rnib became a membership organisation, enabling a greater proportion of blind and partially sighted people
1868_establishments_in_the_United_Kingdom Blindness_charities Blindness_organizations Charities_based_in_London Disability_rights_organizations Health_charities_in_the_United_Kingdom Libraries_for_the_disabled