News Shopper journalist shortlisted for RNIB Award

Emily Davison, a reporter in the Newsquest London team, has been recognised by the RNIB for her powerful social media campaign that challenges misconceptions about sight loss.

The 29-year-old journalist and content creator covers a range of topics in her work including health and beauty, disability and accessibility.

Living with Septo-optic Dysplasia and Optic Nerve Hyperplasia, Emily started her blog 'Fashioneyesta' in 2012 to share hair and makeup tips with her blind and partially sighted friends.

Emily has built up a considerable following on social media, as well as working full-time for the News Shopper (Image: Emily Davison)

Since then, she has created thousands of blog posts, videos, social media posts and articles.

Over the years, Emily has built a considerable following on social media, and now has more than 7,700 YouTube subscribers, more than 7,500 Instagram followers and more than 1,400 followers on TikTok.

She has also written for publications including Cosmopolitan and The Guardian, and has been featured on Sky News, Channel 4, and BBC News.

Alongside all this, Emily also works as a full-time trainee journalist for the News Shopper.

The 29-year-old journalist said she is 'thrilled' to be one of the finalists for the award (Image: Emily Davison)

Emma Davison, one of Emily’s nominators, said: "Growing up, there wasn’t a lot of resources or advice online about Emily’s condition and so she wanted to help change that for parents looking for where to turn next."

Emily's recent projects revolve around accessibility within the beauty industry, including working on the first-ever audio-described shows at London Fashion Week.

Emma says her work "exposed just how much disabled people don’t feel that the beauty industry caters and accommodates to them".

In response to being shortlisted, Emily said: "I am so thrilled to have been named a finalist for this award, I have been creating content since 2012 and in that time I have seen the online space change so much to meet the growing number of disabled content creators.

"I remember when I first started, and there was no one creating the kind of content that I wanted to see and now the community is thriving and full of diverse and wonderful creators and it’s amazing to see."

One of Emily’s recent projects has been working on the first ever audio described shows at London Fashion Week (Image: Emily Davison)

The RNIB See Differently Awards honour those who commit their time, passion, and skills to create an inclusive world for blind and partially sighted people.

RNIB CEO Matt Stringer said: "The RNIB See Differently Awards will celebrate those who dedicate their time, passion, and skills to help build an inclusive world for blind and partially sighted people.

"Congratulations to the shortlisted national finalists, you’re all fantastic with incredibly moving stories and we wish you the best of luck."

The awards will recognise exceptional individuals and teams across seven categories: Campaigner of the Year, Eye Care Professional of the Year, Best Content Creator of the Year, Team of the Year, Employer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Design for Everyone Award.

The winners will be announced in a ceremony at a central London hotel on May 21.

Good luck Emily!