Trainers Profile

Andy Fisher

(VI Consultant – Rehab and Low Vision)

Andy Fisher is an independent visual impairment trainer and rehab consultant, and low vision practitioner. Andy qualified as a Rehabilitation Worker (RW) for visually impaired people in 1993 at the South Regional Association for the Blind Rehab Training School in London. He has worked for a number of social services departments in Wales and the south of England in physical disability and visual/sensory impairment teams. During his rehab career Andy has specialised in low vision practice, and has worked in low vision clinics and services based in hospitals in the community for a number of years providing low vision therapy and rehab input.

In 1998 Andy joined RNIB as a Low Vision Officer in the RNIB Low Vision and Eye Health Unit, a post he held for over seven years. During his time at RNIB Andy’s role was to develop low vision therapy practice for rehabilitation workers (and other non-optical low vision professionals), and develop appropriate training packages in low vision for all staff working in visual impairment and low vision from all sectors at all levels. Whilst at RNIB, Andy continued to work a ‘practice’ day as a rehabilitation worker one-day a week in various Social Services departments in South Wales and the South West of England. Andy is also a low vision consultant to a leading UK low vision optical company and still works in low vision services, and as a specialist rehab assessor for St Dunstans (national charity for visually impaired ex-service personnel and their families).

Andy is an experienced and qualified trainer, with over 10 years training experience with RNIB and at Focal Point UK. He holds a Certificate in Education (Cert. Ed) and BA (hons) degree in Education (Visual Impairment) from Worcester University. In his spare time Andy is a keen footballer, cricketer, surfer, runner and cyclist (when there’s time!!!!).

Ceri Ellerton
(VI Consultant)

Ceri Ellerton has worked with visually impaired people for 17 years. After completing her Degree she worked for Sense in the Midlands with deafblind people, and then spent two years working with people with learning disabilities. A year as a Warden at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford was followed by training as a Rehabilitation Officer and trainee lecturer in Glasgow.

For the last 10 years Ceri has worked for local authorities in South Wales as a Rehabilitation Officer, and more recently as Manager of a VI team in Social Services providing services to visually impaired people in Swansea. This role included the professional supervision of rehab workers and other staff in the team. Ceri has provided a wide range of training courses to professionals, and has recently completed her NVQ level 4 in Management.