New charity appeal to raise £1m for Western Eye Hospital
New charity appeal to raise £1m for Western Eye Hospital
21 July 2026
The appeal will fund improvements to the hospital's ground-floor entrance, emergency department and outpatient areas, making it easier for patients to navigate the hospital, access urgent care and feel reassured from the moment they arrive.
For patients like Art Historian and Curator Carrie Scott, those first moments matter.
When Carrie attended what she thought would be a routine eye test, her optician spotted something unusual and referred her to the Western Eye Hospital. During her appointment, an ophthalmologist diagnosed her with acute angle glaucoma, a serious condition that can cause sudden sight loss if left untreated.
Carrie said: "As an art historian, my sight is my entire identity, career, raison d'être.
“Everything is about seeing and being able to look at images and art. So the idea that I had this lingering condition that could send me blind overnight was terrifying."
Carrie was treated quickly by the hospital's expert team, who guided her through every stage of her care.
Today, Carrie continues to attend regular appointments at the Western Eye Hospital, where specialists carefully monitor her condition and help protect her sight.
As one of only two specialist eye hospitals in London, the Western Eye Hospital provides expert care for patients from across the capital and beyond. Every day, patients visit the hospital for routine appointments and emergency care, often feeling anxious and afraid.
The hospital delivers state-of-the-art medical care, but we know its environment is outdated and no longer meets our community's needs. People with sight loss or visual impairment are forced to navigate busy corridors and overcrowded waiting rooms. That's why we want to help transform the patient journey.
As the number of people living with sight loss continues to rise across the UK, we need to create an accessible, safe and welcoming environment for our patients and their families. By transforming their experience alongside delivering exceptional care, we can ensure the Western Eye Hospital is fit for the future.
Find out more about the Western Eye Appeal and how you can support the campaign by visiting our appeal page.
