Vision 20/20 marked World Sight Day (October 12) with 11 visual impairment charities hosting a lunch served in total darkness.
Guests were invited to restaurant Dans le Noir in London where blind waiters served a mystery menu to demonstrate life without vision.
The event also marked the launch of a report entitled Network 1000 commissioned by Vision 20/20 into the experiences and lifestyles of visually impaired people.
Key findings stated that 42 per cent of unemployed interviewees had not worked for more than 10 years and a further 24 per cent had not worked for between five and 10 years.
Some 84 per cent of those living with someone said they needed help with basic daily tasks.
Mike Brace, chief executive of Vision 20/20, added: 'Nearly 4.5 million people in Britain have a significant sight loss and services available to them are fragmented and in many cases non-existent.'
Vision 20/20 marked World Sight Day (October 12) with 11 visual impairment charities hosting a lunch served in total darkness.