VisionPK was originally founded in 1866 as the ‘Society for Teaching the Blind to Read in the County and City of Perth’.
The name and the scope of our work has changed over time; whilst our legal name has remained as ‘Perth and Kinross Society for the Blind’ since 2001.
In 2014, we adopted the name ‘VisionPK’ for our day to day business.
April 2026 we celebrate the charities 160th Anniversary!
In 1928, the Society acquired dedicated premises at 29 Methven Street, Perth, having been run previously from the homes of the teachers, or agents.
Lord Forteviot’s Trust covered the expenses of alterations and furniture at a cost of £100 and the new Centre was formally opened on 6 December 1928.
In 1964 it was decided that larger premises were needed to provide room for handcraft instruction, recreational activities and a braille library. The Society also wanted a place where blind people could socialise.
Within six months, a property at St Leonard’s Bank in Perth came onto the market. It was close to the railway and bus stations and offered safe and easy access. It also had a lovely garden sloping down towards the South Inch and the bowling green, where the blind bowling team met twice a week
It was also hoped that the access to South Inch would encourage blind people to go walking on the Inch, where they would meet people, go boating in the pond (when there were boats!) and generally feel more integrated into the local community and less isolated.
The new premises were formally opened in June 1965. Over the years, various alterations and improvements were made, until it was felt that the building no longer met needs and a search for a more central property began.
VisionPK still owns these premises, whose rental income provides vital funds for our charitable services.
In 2000, the current building at New Row was purchased and an extensive conversion of the old Church was undertaken, at a cost of £475,000, raised by members, beneficiaries and the wider community. The official opening was in July 2003.
In late 2019 Trustees agreed that the costs of repairs and changes to the building required to make it fit for purpose would be better spent on our charitable services.
We moved to the High Street in Perth early 2021 and we have been in process of planning the opening of a Sensory Hub. Unfortunately due to escalating costs we had to look for new premises and relocated to George Street in 2024. The newly refurbished Sensory Hub formally opened in October 2024.
Over the years, activities and services have changed in line with the current thinking of the time. Initial activities were instructional, then broadened out into general welfare and social activities. Today. Support is person-centered, with the focus on identifying and meeting the individual needs of each person, utilising a wide range of specialist support, such as our Rehabilitation team.
Since its earliest days, volunteers have offered vital support, particularly around social activities. The contribution of our volunteers is as important today as it has always been, benefiting the people using our services as well as making a difference to the lives of volunteers.
Our history is indeed a proud one and we hope that, with local support, we will still be here in another 160 years!
Read the latest news and updates from VisionPK.
