This article ranges over the wealth of data provided by the RNIB Needs Survey just published, and looks specifically at their significance for the future work of voluntary agencies The survey shows that the character and scale of visual Impairment have been understated In the past The twenty or so national organisations and the two hundred or so agencies working at a more local level, are addressed The output of the Needs Survey so far published (Volume /) will challenge all agencies working on behalf of blind and partially sighted people, practically and philosophically