Visual impairments
People with visual impairments are sometimes known as blind or partially sighted. The more modern term is sight impaired or severely sight impaired. Sight loss can be caused by a variety of conditions such as:
- macular degeneration
- glaucoma
- diabetes
- cataracts
- visual cortex disorder
- genetic defects or an injury
Many people who live with sight impairment experience different levels of sight loss. Some people are only able to determine lights or shapes, while others may experience blurred vision. Another effect of sight impairment is having no sight in the centre of the eye or no side vision.
Some people may have some useful sight but may find it difficult at night. It is uncommon for someone to have no vision at all even if the person is registered blind.
Eye strain and headaches are also a common side effect of living with sight impairment.
Wellbeing
Finding out you have a visual impairment that can't be treated can be hard to accept.
Many people go through a range of emotions, like shock, anger, and denial, similar to grieving, before they eventually come to terms with their condition.
There is lots of support available, which you can find under 'Useful contacts and information'.
Useful contacts and information
Royal National Institute for the Blind (RINIB)
RNIB helps people with sight loss live independently and confidently. They offer:
- Practical Support: Help with daily tasks and living independently.
- Emotional Support: Assistance for those feeling overwhelmed or lonely.
- Technology Help: Guidance on using devices to stay connected.
- Information and Advice: Tips on managing sight loss.
- Courses: Free community-based courses to adjust to sight loss
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Guide Dogs UK helps people with sight loss live more independently and confidently. They offer:
- Guide Dogs: Providing trained guide dogs to assist with mobility.
- Support and Companionship: Partnering people with trained volunteers.
- Children and Young People Support: Tailored help for younger people with sight loss.
- Technology and Equipment: Advice on using assistive technology.
- Education Support: Independent and personalised advice for learning.
Visit the Guide Dogs UK website
The Macular Society
The Macular Society helps people with macular disease live independently. They offer:
- Information and Advice: Guidance on managing macular disease.
- Support Groups: Local and online groups for socialising and support.
- Practical Help: Tips for daily living and using technology.
- Emotional Support: Befriending, mentoring, and counseling services
- Helpline: Call 0300 3030 111 for free, confidential support and advice.
Visit the Macular Society website
Sign Live
Dead-owned & deaf-led, SignLive remove barriers and allows on demand BSL by allowing you to make calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week via a BSL Interpreter. You can also access a community directory to hundreds of organisations completely free of charge.
Kent Association for the Blind
Kent Association for the Blind (KAB) helps people with sight loss live independently. They offer:
- Practical Support: Help with daily tasks and living independently.
- Emotional Support: Assistance for those feeling overwhelmed or lonely.
- Technology Help: Guidance on using devices to stay connected.
- Information and Advice: Tips on managing sight loss.
Visit the Kent Association for the Blind website
Kent Libraries
