RIVALS Star Victoria Smurfit Named New President of UK Sight Loss Charity RNIB

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has announced that actor, and star of Disney+ UK's ‘Rivals,' Victoria Smurfit has been appointed as the charity's new President. Victoria takes on the role as Dame Gail Ronson DBE steps down after 14 years of dedicated service. 

RNIB is the UK's leading sight loss charity which provides practical and emotional support to blind and partially sight people. As President, Victoria will help strengthen relationships with supporters and senior volunteers, thank and engage key partners, and champion RNIB's campaigns and services. 

RNIB has recognised Dame Gail Ronson DBE's contribution to the organisation by awarding her the title of Honorary President, which means she will continue to have a close connection with the charity and its work.  

Anna Tylor, Chair of Trustees at RNIB said: “We're immensely grateful to Dame Gail Ronson DBE for her tireless support over the last 14 years. During this time, she's generated millions in philanthropic support and played a crucial role in our services going from strength to strength.  

“I'm thrilled to announce Victoria Smurfit as our new President. Victoria has a deep personal connection to our work and will be essential in ensuring we continue to support and empower blind and partially sighted people.” 

Victoria brings a personal connection to RNIB as mum to Evie age 21, who was diagnosed with Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy as a child. Victoria also has a longstanding family connection to RNIB through her father, Dr Dermot Smurfit, an RNIB Vice-President, who has supported the charity for decades. 

Victoria Smurfit said: “Over 2 million people in the UK live with vision impairment, one of those is my daughter Evie. As a result, I've seen first-hand how many barriers exist in our society for blind and partially sighted people, and how essential RNIB's support and services are. I am honoured to be stepping into the role of President, Dame Gail Ronson DBE has made an exceptional impact over the last 14 years and I am determined to keep up the momentum she has generated to keep driving change for more people than ever before.”  

In 2024, RNIB launched its strategy to ensure everyone with sight loss can live the life they want to lead, without limits. The charity's goals are aligned to five impact areas: eye health and eye care; skills and tools for life; getting around; employment; and education. As President, Victoria will support RNIB's work to deliver progress across these priorities. 

Dame Gail Ronson DBE said: “It's been an honour to work with RNIB for the last 14 years. RNIB was a charity very close to my heart for over a decade before I became President, I was inspired by my grandmother's experience with vision loss, due to macular degeneration, and determined to help in any way I could. It's been a privilege to watch the charity grow over the years, I'm so grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey and delighted that I can stay close to the cause in my new role as Honorary President.”