FRIDAY 26TH OF jUNE 2026
Radisson Hotel
celebrating our history
Founded in 1886 as the Jersey Blind Society, EYECAN is the Jersey’s only charity dedicated solely to supporting people with sight loss. For 140 years, EYECAN has empowered islanders to live independent and fulfilling lives through practical support, assistive technology, training, outreach, accessible activities, and community advocacy.
2026 marks an extraordinary milestone, celebrating the charity’s evolution while staying true to its heritage, values, and long-standing commitment to inclusion.
ANNIVERSARY EVENT INFO
We’ll be celebrating our 140th at the Radisson Hotel, featuring:
– A conference with Keynote speakers.
– Dining in the Dark experience
– Exhibition of Historical Items & Client Art
– EYECAN Solutions
EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
Conference
Open to professionals, inclusion partners, charities, clients and anyone with an interest in sight loss. Keynote speaker secured – Dave Steele, The Blind Poet, alongside Gordon Bowler and others. Panel discussions, presentations, and workshops exploring advances in eye care, treatment, technology and health, and the role of Jersey Blind Society and EYECAN through the years. Tickets cost £25 per person.
Dining in the Dark
A unique sensory experience where guests wear eye coverings and are guided by staff and trained volunteers. Guests enjoy a 3-course dinner, offering insight into the daily challenges faced by those living with visual impairment. Hosted by DJ Nelson and featuring a live performance by Dave Steele of a poem written for EYECAN. Includes a ‘blind auction’ of client artwork, conducted with eye coverings and bids based on descriptions of the pieces. Tickets cost £100 per person with tables seating 10.
EXHIBITION OF HISTORICAL ITEMS & CLIENT ART
Open to professionals, inclusion partners, charities, clients and anyone with an interest in sight loss. Keynote speaker secured – Dave Steele, The Blind Poet, alongside Gordon Bowler and others. Panel discussions, presentations, and workshops exploring advances in eye care, treatment, technology and health, and the role of JBS and EYECAN through the years.
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
EYECAN SOLUTIONS
Our annual showcase where clients and individuals can access new technology for individuals living with visual impairment, with opportunities to meet UK specialist providers and explore available products through our services. This will include the latest technologies experienced at Sight Village.
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
CONFERENCE GUEST SPEAKERS
Dave Steele - Blind Poet
Also known as The Blind Poet, Dave is an award-winning poet, author and advocate for the low vision and blind community. Writing from lived experience at the final stages of sight loss, his work explores disability, mental health and identity, giving voice to emotions people often struggle to express and helping them communicate their reality to loved ones.
Dave is the author of Stand By Me: RP Volumes 1–3, with Volume 1 released in the US and Australia on Amazon, and the creator of Austin’s Amazing Adventures, recognised as the most accessible children’s book series in the world and recently featured on BBC One’s The One Show.
Dave was also the subject of the BBC One documentary I’ll Never See, part of the Our Lives series, which follows the impact of sight loss on him and his family and has recently been shortlisted for a Royal Television Society Award.
Through poetry, storytelling and advocacy, Dave’s work builds understanding, connection and hope.
Gordon Bowler - Consultant Opthalmologist
Mr Bowler was appointed as a substantive Consultant Ophthalmic (Eye) Surgeon at the Jersey General Hospital in 2016, where he leads the oculoplastic & adnexal service, managing the majority of the periocular skin tumours and lid malpositions for the island. He also holds fellowship level training in retinal disorders, and is an expert cataract surgeon.Mr Bowler was educated in Indonesia and Singapore before being admitted in 1999 to Guy’s, King’s & St. Thomas’ (GKT) Hospital Medical School – London’s largest medical school. While at medical school, he completed additional Diplomas in accounting and economics, and was also awarded a Wellcome Trust Fellowship in May 2002.Mr Bowler graduated with an intercalated Bachelor’s of Science degree in Neuroscience in June 2002, and in May 2005 he participated in the Royal College of Ophthalmologists competitive Duke Elder examinations, placing 11th out of some 256 candidates nationwide.
Peter Le Gresley - Regeneration & Placemaking Lead, Andium Homes
Peter Le Gresley is a chartered town planner, working for Andium Homes as Head of Regeneration and Placemaking. His day-to-day job involves the design and specification of new developments for Andium. This involves the acquisition of land, working with developers and dealing with the regulatory requirements of Jersey’s planning system. Prior to his current role at Andium, Peter worked first for a UK Planning authority and then for Jersey’s Planning Department for 30 years. He is passionate about outcomes for Andium’s clients and delivering the best affordable homes within inspiring places. Peter is also keen to collaborate with Andium’s partners to offer inclusively designed and caring communities.
Panel Discussion: Accessibility and inclusion - our past, present and future
Agnetta Nerac leads a panel discussion about accessibility and inclusion of the sight-impaired. Panellists TBC. Agnetta completed her professional degree in Occupational Therapy at St Loye’s School in Exeter in 2000 and returned to the island to work as an Occupational Therapist within the Government of Jersey Health & Community Services. Her roles have included working in Community services, Wheelchair services, Older Person’s Mental health services & latterly as Deputy Head and Head of the Occupational Therapy service. During this time Agnetta completed an Edexcel Level 5 Professional Certificate in Management in Management studies. Agnetta moved to EYECAN in August 2020 to work as part of their community team, and in January 2025 took on the role as Community Team Manager. Agnetta undertakes a dual role within EYECAN both visiting and supporting clients and managing the team, and gets most enjoyment from meeting people, working in partnership with others and helping shape the way.
purchase tickets
CONFERENCE
Dining in the dark
Exhibition
This is a FREE event, and is open to the public. Please come down to visit our exhibition, which will be held at the Raddison Hotel on the 26th of June.
EYECAN Solutions
This is a FREE event, and is open to the public. Please come down to visit our EYECAN Solutions, which will be held at the Raddison Hotel on the 26th of June.
Dining in the Dark - FAQ
Dining in the Dark is an immersive sensory dining event where guests wear eye coverings throughout the meal to experience what dining might feel like for someone living with visual impairment.
As part of EYECAN’s 140-year anniversary, the event raises awareness of sight loss, celebrates our history and community, and provides guests with a deeper understanding of accessibility challenges.
Guests are welcomed with a drink on arrival, invited to explore an exhibition of historic items and images, along with examples of client artwork, and will receive a goody bag before the dining experience begins.
Guests are seated per table and will be invited into a seating area where staff and trained volunteers assist them in safely placing eye masks before being guided into the dining area.
Yes. Once masked, a volunteer will guide you directly and safely to your seat using recognised guiding techniques.
Hotel staff will serve the food, while volunteers provide reassurance, verbal descriptions, help with orientation, and accompany guests to restrooms if needed.
A three-course meal is served as a mystery dining experience. While dietary requirements are fully accommodated, we encourage guests to be adventurous and open-minded.
Guests should keep eye masks on throughout the meal where possible for the full sensory experience. Eye masks are removed after dessert for reflections and discussion. However, anyone feeling uncomfortable can request support from a volunteer and be assisted to the Reception area.
Guests reapply eye masks while DJ Nelson will host an auction of artwork created by EYECAN clients. Guests will hear an audio description by the artist of their piece and will bid based solely on these descriptions.
Yes. Volunteers and staff are trained in sighted guiding, safeguarding, and risk management. Photography is not allowed during masked periods for safety.
Smart casual clothing is recommended. Comfortable shoes are advised as guided movement is involved.
Yes. The venue provides accessible facilities, and EYECAN can support any access needs if notified in advance.
The event is hosted at the Radisson Hotel, Jersey, with parking available on-site and nearby.
Single tickets are £100 with guests being allocated to mixed tables, and full tables of 10 are £1000. Single ticket guests will be seated at mixed tables. If you know other single ticket holders and would like to sit together, just let us know when booking. Payment links are provided in the ticket instructions.
