A charity for visually-impaired people officially reopened its headquarters yesterday after years of delayed renovations.

Vision Bermuda, which supports residents with vision loss, welcomed about 100 guests to a ribbon-cutting at its Beacon House centre on Dundonald Street.

Jessica Wagner, the co-president of the organisation, thanked people who donated funds, services or time towards the building’s refurbishment.

She said: “We so very much appreciate you trusting us throughout this process and for being patient with us.

“We know this has been a long time coming and we are so very excited to reopen Vision Bermuda’s home and to step into the next stage of Vision Bermuda’s services and programmes.”

Renovations of the property, on the corner of Dundonald Street and Cedar Avenue, started in 2019 but were slowed significantly by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was gradually completed by financial gifts, as well as by construction workers donating their time to help complete the project.

Jenefer Brimmer, the Acting Mayor of Hamilton, highlighted how the reopening was made possible thanks to public backing.

She said: “Your support is a testament to the compassion and solidarity of our community.”

Ms Brimmer said that the reopening of Beacon House did not just signify a finished building, but was about “restoring hope, dignity and opportunities for those who rely on their vital services”.

She also acknowledged the charity's “truly commendable” work to help people with impairments to live with dignity and independence.

Theresa McMordie, Vision Bermuda’s vision rehabilitation specialist, said that Beacon House will be the first place on the island where people with low vision can get an assessment of their eyesight on arrival.

The new space will also allow people with poor vision to practise cooking and operating in a kitchen, she added.

Ms McMordie said that Beacon House will offer training in the use of smart devices for those who would like to return to work.

She added that the open green space will allow for people to practise orientation and mobility.

Beacon House will have a social area for clients, members and especially young people who suffer from low vision, to help them build a sense of community.

Ms McMordie said: “They can get to know one another better, and we’re hoping that this will help ease the feelings of isolation and loneliness.

“I know that when people get together that sort of thing really matters.”

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said the work of Vision Bermuda felt personal to her because of her own experiences.

She explained that, as an occupational therapist, she worked in the low vision wing of a seniors home in the US, which gave her first-hand knowledge of what is required.

Ms Furbert added: “Vision Bermuda has been around for a long time, and we’re so very grateful and thankful for the services that they provide to the many people in our community.”

Lions Club Bermuda was singled out as a particularly helpful donor throughout the renovations.

Douglas Alexander, the vice-chairman of Lions Club International, said that the club had been charged with being the “Knights of the Blind” by accessibility advocate Helen Keller in 1925.

He said: “Our motto is simply ‘we serve’, and we look for that opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.”

• UPDATE: this story has been updated to correct the name of Jessica Wagner, the co-president of Vision Bermuda