South West London Sight Loss Council: Meet the members

Liam O'Carroll

Liam was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 6 and was registered blind aged 11.  He took up the role of Sight Loss Coordinator for the South in January 2023 and is currently the interim Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils.

Liam first joined Thomas Pocklington Trust in 2016, He was later seconded to London Vision, where he worked for five years as Project Coordinator.

Before joining TPT, Liam worked freelance as an actor, performing in roles in television, radio and theatre.  He studied English and Drama at Roehampton University and later gained a Masters at the University of Wales, Bangor. Here, he specialised in Arthurian tradition in twentieth-century fiction.

In his spare time, Liam enjoys writing fiction, reading literature, listening to audio described telly and playing board games.

Vicky Blencowe

Vicky built a professional career as a Building Surveyor for many years before starting to lose her sight. Following a diagnosis of an eye condition called Stargardt’s she began a 10 year career working for a local Council in an administrative role. When made redundant in 2011, she decided to take time out to raise her young family.

“I didn’t know any blind and partially sighted people, but in 2019 I began to really connect within the sight loss community in London and I have not looked back since. Travelling in and around London increased my passion in the need for accessibility and inclusion in the built environment and public transport”.

With sight loss expected to increase dramatically, Vicky hopes that the London Sight Loss Council will raise awareness and inform policy makers, professionals, local authorities and educate the wider public in the issues faced by people living with sight loss, especially where this is hidden.

“I’m excited about the ongoing progress of assistive technologies and digital accessibility in this increasingly visual virtual world.”

Haren Thillainathan

Haren has a 20-year career in the energy sector, predominantly as a lobbyist and has spent the last five years as a blind professional.

Following his sight loss, Haren participates in para sports, including triathlon and snowboarding. Other interests include attending music gigs, reading, and politics.

Haren lives in South West London with his 4-year-old guide dog called Addie.

He said: “I am excited and honoured to be involved with London Sight Loss Council and the opportunity to use my experience and skills to benefit London’s blind and partially sighted community. I want to help achieve London Sight Loss Council’s objectives and maximise its profile.”

Mary Cox

Mary was born with an eye condition which has worsened over the years.

Mary feels the information, advice, and guidance she has received from other visually impaired people has been invaluable in her becoming as independent. Now, Mary wants to contribute to the development of services and products to empower others living with sight loss.

Mary hopes that she can share her experiences, ask questions, and is able to encourage positive change.

She said: “Everyone is unique, and there is a wide range of eye conditions. By joining South West London SLC I am sure I will learn a lot as well as contributing to helping people with visual impairments live fulfilling lives.”

Nikki Hughes

Nikki was registered partially sighted in 2012 due to Papilledema. This was caused by a neurological condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Nikki is also autistic and has ehlers-danlos syndrome.

Nikki lives in south west London with their husband and three children.

Nikki has worked as a volunteer for a number of organisation’s and is a disability activist and campaigner.

Nikki said: “I am delighted to join South West London Sight Loss Council. I want to help make London a more accessible place to live, work, and visit for all those living with sight loss and a disability.”

Fiona Gibbons

Fiona moved with her husband from New York to North Yorkshire in December 2020 and subsequently to London in November 2023. Growing up in Dublin, in 1993 she was diagnosed with macular dystrophy (similar to Stargardt’s disease).

A Certified Accountant, Fiona spent most of her career in investment management, living and working in New York City for over 20 years.

Fiona and her husband are avid runners, enjoy hiking and Pilates – as well as the theatre, travelling and exploring new destinations. Since moving to London, Fiona has returned to playing both tennis and golf with fellow visually impaired players.

Fiona is the President of the New York chapter and co-President of the UK region of Foundation Fighting Blindness, which funds research to cure retinal blindness.

She says: “I am passionate that visually impaired people have access to sports and wellness so that they can benefit from the positive effects of both. I am also a keen advocate of using technology to assist with the challenges of living with a visual impairment. SLC London is the perfect place to be such an advocate.”

Shalini O'Kane

Shalini was diagnosed with Stargardts disease at the age of 13 and is registered as blind.

Independence and the freedom to travel, meet people, and engage in activities are very important to her.

She is the Outreach Lead at the Croydon Voluntary Association for the Blind (Croydon Vision), where she has worked since January 2021. Her role involves visiting blind and partially sighted individuals in their homes, giving talks and presentations in the community, and delivering visual awareness training and other workshops.

Originally from Mauritius, Shalini is multilingual and fluent in English, French, Mauritian Creole, and Hindi. She enjoys cooking, Bollywood dancing, aqua gym, walking, socialising, and travelling.

By joining the West London Sight Loss Council, Shalini hopes to make a meaningful difference for blind and visually impaired people in London. She is especially passionate about improving accessibility in health and sports facilities.

Richard Holmes

Richard has lived in Wandsworth for 25 years and is married with two children. Originally from the West Midlands, Richard has a long background in public affairs and campaigning and has worked in the charity sector for nearly 30 years. He has also volunteered with several local charities and most recently served as a school governor for eight years.

Richard loves sport, especially football and cricket, and tries to watch as much as he can.

Richard is delighted to join South West London Sight loss Council, and said: “I am passionate about inclusion and improving the life chances of blind and partially sighted people. I hope my professional and personal experience can contribute to the brilliant work already happening in SW London.”