In short: VSI is run by its members. An elected Core Committee leads it, an Expert Panel gives professional advice, and working groups, circles and city chapters do the everyday work.
Members
Anyone can join, and membership is free. There are three types:
- Primary members: people who have low vision themselves. Primary members vote in Core Committee elections.
- Regular members: parents, family members, friends and carers.
- Associates and Friends of VSI: professionals, service providers and supporters.
[TO CONFIRM: check these descriptions and voting rights against the Memorandum.]
Core Committee
The Core Committee leads VSI and makes its main decisions. Its members are elected by Primary members for [TO CONFIRM: term] and most of them live with low vision. Meet the Core Committee and team.
Expert Panel
Eye doctors, optometrists, rehabilitation and education specialists, lawyers and technology experts who volunteer their knowledge. They check our guides and, later, will answer members' questions.
Working groups
Small teams of volunteers who look after one area of work, for example:
- Membership and Data
- Content and Resources
- Events
- Technology
- Partnerships and Outreach
[TO CONFIRM: the actual list of working groups.]
Interest circles
Friendly groups for people at a similar stage of life: newly diagnosed, students, working professionals, seniors, and parents. Read about the circles.
City chapters
Local groups that meet in person. City chapters are being set up now. If you would like to start one in your city, please contact us.
Host organisation
VSI is hosted by Hosted by Beyond Eyes Foundation. The host provides [TO CONFIRM: for example legal and financial support, and handles donations], while VSI's members decide its direction.
The Memorandum
The full rules are in the VSI Memorandum. [TO CONFIRM: link to accessible web version and accessible PDF.]