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.
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.