MAB was founded in response to the tragic reality of soldiers returning from World War I with sight loss caused by gas attacks and injuries. This was an era when support for disabled people was limited, and society had little understanding of how to help those with sight loss live independently. Our founders recognised an urgent need for practical support, advocacy, and community among those adjusting to life without sight. From these challenging beginnings, MAB established principles of dignity, independence, and community support that continue to guide our work today.

During the 1930s, MAB expanded its services and developed stronger community roots. The outbreak of World War II brought new challenges, as our offices faced bombing and many of our volunteers joined the war effort. However, we adapted to continue providing essential services during this difficult period. The war years also brought new cases of sight loss from military service and civilian casualties, reinforcing the vital importance of our work. Despite resource constraints, we maintained our commitment to supporting those in greatest need.

The post-war decades saw significant expansion of our services. We developed residential facilities, organised group holidays for our members, established horticultural projects that provided both therapy and training opportunities, and created employment schemes designed to help visually impaired people find meaningful work. These services reflected a more comprehensive understanding of the needs of people with sight loss, moving beyond basic care to focus on empowerment, skills development, and social inclusion. Our community clubs became vibrant centres of social activity and mutual support.

As society changed, so did the needs of people with sight loss. The rise of technology created both opportunities and challenges – while new assistive technologies offered greater independence, the digital divide risked leaving some people further behind. We adapted our services to include technology training, worked more closely with statutory services as social care systems developed, and maintained our focus on personalised support even as demand increased. We also strengthened our partnerships with other organisations to avoid duplication and maximize the support available to our community.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, particularly for our community who were at higher risk and faced additional barriers during lockdowns. We rapidly adapted our services, developing telephone support networks, doorstep visits with safety measures, and new ways of maintaining social connections. This experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and innovation in our approach. Today, we continue to serve over 800 people annually across nine London boroughs, working closely with RNIB and local authorities while maintaining the personal, community-centered approach that has been our strength for over a century.