Sight loss charity boosts leadership team with two new hires

A Hampshire charity helping people with sight loss has welcomed two new people to its leadership team.

Ian Morris and Gemma McKnight have taken up new positions at Open Sight.

Mr Morris will become head of customer services, a new role at the charity, while Ms McKnight will become the charity’s new head of revenue generation and communications.

Mr. Morris has over 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors and previously worked for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Mr Morris lives in Portsmouth and has personal experience of living with visual impairment, which he lost due to a rare eye condition.

Mr Morris said: “This charity has a rich history and helps so many people across the county.

“I look forward to developing our services even further to meet the needs of people with visual impairments and ensuring that whenever someone needs support, it is available.”

Ms. McKnight has over a decade of experience in fundraising, communications and event management.

Ms McKnight said: “Philanthropy plays a huge role in the work of charities.

“I am delighted to join Open Sight Hampshire to support their fundraising and communications efforts.

“We have an exciting opportunity to diversify our revenue and maintain the core services we provide.”

Chris Dixon, Chief Executive, said: “The appointments of Ian and Gemma reinforce our commitment to growing the organisation and raising its profile in Hampshire.

“Ian will bring skills, knowledge and life experience that will be key to this journey, and Gemma will support us in identifying funds.”

Founded over a hundred years ago, Open Sight Hampshire offers a wide range of services to help adults and children with a range of visual conditions.

The charity has a long history of helping the visually impaired community in Hampshire, from educating children about preventing sight loss in schools, through to providing advice and technology support.