RNIB
RNIB is the UK's leading sight loss charity, founded in 1868, providing support, advice, and assistive technology to nearly two million blind and partially sighted people across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1868
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What RNIB does
RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) is a UK-registered charity founded in 1868 and headquartered in London, providing support and advice to almost two million people with sight loss across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The organization operates a wraparound service platform spanning an information helpline (0303 123 9999), Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) embedded in NHS eye clinics, a 24/7 community radio station (RNIB Connect Radio on 101 FM Glasgow and Freeview 730), and the 90-year-old RNIB Library offering Talking Books and Braille. Core technology products include the Accessible In-Home Display (AIHD) developed with smart meter manufacturer geo, featuring text-to-speech, high-contrast displays and tactile buttons, plus the RNIB Shop and trade portal selling assistive devices at various price points.
The charity's revenue model is donations-led, with £61.5 million raised this year from individual giving, legacies, corporate partnerships, lottery/raffle, and challenge events, supplemented by retail sales of assistive products, grants to individuals for technology and equipment, and corporate accessibility services. RNIB goes to market through direct-to-consumer channels (helpline, Connect Radio, online shop, community groups) and B2B channels (trade shop, NHS-embedded ECLO services, employer accessibility training, and accessibility consultancy). Strategic partnerships with UK Finance, Mastercard, Visa, Idemia, British Dyslexia Association, Formula E, Google Cloud, Smart Energy GB, Energy UK, Amazon Alexa, and Coca-Cola extend RNIB's reach into payment infrastructure, motorsport, energy, voice assistants, and consumer packaging accessibility standards.
RNIB is governed by a Board of Trustees, has no parent company or private equity ownership, and holds registered charity status in England and Wales (226227), Scotland (SC039316), and the Isle of Man (1226). Headcount is in the 1,001–5,000 range with offices in London (headquarters), Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast. The CEO is Matt Stringer, with David Clarke as Chief Operating Officer.
RNIB firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RNIB
- Legal name
- Royal National Institute of Blind People
- Website
- https://rnib.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1868
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- RNIB is the UK's leading sight loss charity, founded in 1868, providing support, advice, and assistive technology to nearly two million blind and partially sighted people across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RNIB industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sight Loss Support Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)
- SIC
- Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Accessibility & Assistive Technology IT Support (EDALAMAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Assistive Listening & Accessibility AV Infrastructure (Hearing loops, captioning hardware) (EDAEAHAN)
Keywords
Where RNIB is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
RNIB business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: RNIB raises funds through individual donations, regular giving, corporate partnerships, challenge events (marathons, etc.), lottery and raffles, and legacy gifts in Wills. The charity raised £61.5 million this year through these efforts.
- Retail Sales: RNIB operates an online shop selling assistive technology products, aids for daily living, and accessible products for blind and partially sighted individuals.
- Services and Grants: RNIB provides grants to individuals for technology and equipment, supported by charitable trusts and government grants.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Free services for beneficiaries |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
RNIB product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RNIB provides direct support, advice, and practical services to blind and partially sighted people in the UK, including a national helpline, audiobook lending library, ECLO hospital-based support, and RNIB Connect Radio. It also sells assistive aids and devices via RNIB Shop and operates RNIB Bookshare, an accessible educational content platform.
Product overview
RNIB offers a comprehensive portfolio of services for blind and partially sighted people, centered on assistive technology, information, and support. The core technology products include the Accessible In-Home Display (AIHD) developed with geo for smart meter users, supported through the RNIB Technology Grant Scheme. The organization provides extensive reading services through the RNIB Library with Talking Books and Braille books, runs RNIB Connect Radio as a 24/7 broadcast service, and operates the RNIB Shop for assistive products. Support services include the RNIB Helpline, Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) in hospitals, and Living Well with Sight Loss courses covering health, wellbeing, and practical skills. Educational services include Braille instruction and certification, RNIB Bookshare for accessible educational materials, and Parent Pathways for families. The organization also provides employment support through the See Work Differently Placement programme and accessibility consultancy services for businesses.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- RNIB Connect Radio: RNIB's radio station that broadcasts 24/7, serving as a platform for information, entertainment and interviews hosted by blind and partially sighted presenters
- RNIB Shop
- RNIB Library
- RNIB Bookshare
- See Sport Differently
- Eye Care Support Pathway
- Sooty Box Collections
Products and services
- RNIB Helpline Telephone and email support service offering information, advice, and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people in the UK.
- RNIB Library Postal and digital lending library of audiobooks and braille titles available to blind and partially sighted members.
- RNIB Connect Radio Radio station broadcasting information, entertainment, and community content for blind and partially sighted listeners.
- Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) Service Hospital-based support service providing in-clinic advice, emotional support, and signposting for patients at the point of sight loss diagnosis.
- RNIB Shop (Assistive Products Retail) Retail offering of assistive aids, daily living products, and accessibility devices designed for blind and partially sighted customers.
- RNIB Bookshare Accessible digital library providing textbooks and educational materials in formats usable by print-disabled learners, including students with sight loss.
- Braille Transcription Services Production service converting documents and publications into braille, large print, and audio formats for blind and partially sighted users.
- Accessible In-Home Display (AIHD) Assistive device designed to make in-home smart meter and home displays usable by blind and partially sighted people through audio and tactile feedback.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 60,000 eye clinic patients supported annually through ECLO services
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use RNIB
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
RNIB technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability5 records
Feature3 records
RNIB partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- UK FinancecoreRNIB collaborated with UK Finance to develop the Accessible Cards Code of Practice, national accessibility guidelines for payment cards covering physical texture, colour contrast, font legibility, and tactile identifiers. The code was developed in collaboration with RNIB, British Dyslexia Association, Mastercard, Visa, and Idemia, with commitments from 10+ firms representing 80% of UK card issuing market.
- Formula EflagshipFormula E and Google Cloud collaborating with RNIB on an inclusivity podcast to enhance accessibility for visually impaired fans. Initiative provides AI-generated audio race reports during the London E-Prix using Google's AI technology to produce descriptive race summaries in multiple languages.
- British Dyslexia AssociationcoreCollaborated on the Accessible Cards Code of Practice to ensure guidelines address needs of people with dyslexia and visual impairments.
- MastercardcorePartnered on the Accessible Cards Code of Practice, contributing Touch design features including tactile notches for card differentiation and improved colour contrast standards. Represents 80% of UK card market through participating firms.
- VisacorePartnered on the Accessible Cards Code of Practice for payment card accessibility.
- IdemiacoreTechnology partner collaborated on the Accessible Cards Code of Practice, contributing expertise in payment card design and tactile identification technology.
- Google CloudflagshipPartnering with Formula E and RNIB to develop AI-generated audio race reports for visually impaired Formula E fans. Uses Google's AI technology to produce descriptive race summaries in multiple languages for implementation during Berlin and London race weekends.
- geo (Smart Meter Display Manufacturer)coreRNIB and geo (smart meter display manufacturer) worked with industry, including trade body Energy UK, to develop the Accessible In-Home Display (AIHD) with features such as large tactile buttons, high-contrast display, and text-to-speech functionality.
- Smart Energy GBcoreRNIB works with Smart Energy GB to promote AIHDs and ensure suppliers are fully informed about accessibility options for blind and partially sighted customers.
- Energy UKcoreTrade body collaborated with RNIB and geo to develop the AIHD industry standard for accessible smart meter displays.
- Mastercard (Touch Design)coreMastercard's Touch design features including tactile notches for card differentiation and improved colour contrast standards are being adopted in the accessible cards code of practice.
- Amazon AlexaflagshipAmazon Alexa served as headline sponsor of the RNIB See Differently Awards 2022. Partnership enables voice-activated RNIB Helpline access ('Alexa, call RNIB Helpline') and inclusive technology initiatives.
- Coca-ColaminorCorporate partnership to make Christmas multipacks accessible for shoppers with sight loss, demonstrating commitment to packaging accessibility.
- NHS (Eye Clinic Partnership)coreRNIB Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) are embedded in NHS eye clinics across the UK, providing emotional and practical support to over 60,000 patients annually.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
RNIB competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Guide Dogs (Guide Dogs for the Blind Association): Major UK sight loss charity providing guide dog services, mobility training, and advocacy. Directly comparable as a peer charity serving blind and partially sighted people in the UK, competing for donations and beneficiary engagement.
- Macular Society: UK charity dedicated specifically to macular conditions, the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Comparable as a peer sight loss charity offering support services, helplines, and research funding in an overlapping beneficiary population.
- Blind Veterans UK: UK charity supporting vision-impaired ex-military personnel. Comparable as a peer sight loss charity providing rehabilitation, training, and community services for blind and partially sighted beneficiaries.
- Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID): UK disability charity (sister organization in name, though separate) supporting deaf people and those with hearing loss. Highly comparable operating model: helpline, community services, accessibility advocacy, and digital inclusion initiatives in a parallel disability segment.
- Sense (UK disability charity): UK charity supporting people with complex disabilities including deafblindness. Comparable as a peer disability charity providing accessibility services, advocacy, and direct support in overlapping beneficiary segments.
- Glaucoma UK: UK charity for glaucoma patients offering support, information, and research funding. Comparable as a peer sight loss charity serving a specific high-prevalence eye condition with overlapping donor and beneficiary pools.
- Perkins School for the Blind: US-based educational and service organization for blind and visually impaired individuals. Comparable as a peer organization providing education, accessibility services, Braille materials, and assistive technology in the same sight loss sector.
- Leonard Cheshire: UK charity supporting people with disabilities including those with sensory impairments. Comparable as a peer UK disability charity providing community services, employment support, and advocacy in an overlapping beneficiary population.
Broad incumbents
- American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): Major US national sight loss charity providing advocacy, services, and publications. Comparable as a large peer organization in the same sight loss sector, but operating in a different geography with broader research and policy focus.
- Vision Australia: Australia's largest sight loss organization providing therapy, equipment, advocacy, and employment services. Comparable as a peer sight loss organization with an integrated service model spanning assistive technology, employment support, and community services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RNIB social profiles
Digital presenceRNIB compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
RNIB financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RNIB leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
RNIB funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RNIB M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RNIB
What does RNIB do?
RNIB provides direct support, advice, and practical services to blind and partially sighted people in the UK, including a national helpline, audiobook lending library, ECLO hospital-based support, and RNIB Connect Radio. It also sells assistive aids and devices via RNIB Shop and operates RNIB Bookshare, an accessible educational content platform.
Is RNIB a public or private company?
RNIB is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was RNIB founded?
RNIB was founded in 1868. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is RNIB based?
RNIB is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does RNIB make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are retail Sales and services and Grants.
Who are RNIB's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Guide Dogs (Guide Dogs for the Blind Association), Macular Society, Blind Veterans UK, Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), Sense (UK disability charity), Glaucoma UK, Perkins School for the Blind and Leonard Cheshire. Broad incumbents are American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and Vision Australia.
Does RNIB have an API?
No public API is recorded for RNIB.
What industry is RNIB in?
RNIB's product category is Sight Loss Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDALAMAJ, Accessibility & Assistive Technology IT Support, with a secondary code of EDAEAHAN, Assistive Listening & Accessibility AV Infrastructure (Hearing loops, captioning hardware). Its NAICS code is 624120 and its SIC code is 8090.