Living with sight loss
Failing eyesight can make everyday life harder: reading the post, watching TV, recognising faces, getting around safely. There's a lot of help available, and much of it is free.
Regular eye tests
In England, NHS sight tests are free for everyone aged 60 or over, and for people registered as partially sighted or blind, or with diabetes or glaucoma. If someone can't leave home on their own because of illness or disability, an optometrist may be able to visit them at home. In Scotland, NHS eye examinations are free for everyone.
Get an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 for sudden changes, such as blurred vision, flashing lights or a dark shadow. Go to A&E or call 999 if someone suddenly can't see.
Support with long-term sight loss
If sight loss is permanent, the GP or eye specialist should refer the person to local services that help them adapt. That can include:
- help adapting the home for things like cooking and washing
- low vision aids and technology for reading, using the phone and the internet
- help with travelling
- advice about benefits
- talking therapies, if they're struggling to come to terms with it
Registering as sight impaired
If an eye specialist finds someone is sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind), they can register with the local council. This helps them get local support and apply for benefits.
In England and Wales, someone registered as blind or severely sight impaired can claim Blind Person's Allowance, which lets them earn more before paying Income Tax.
Books and newspapers to listen to
- RNIB Talking Books is free for people with sight loss, with over 40,000 books delivered to the door free, or downloaded. RNIB's library also has giant print and braille books. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
- Talking newspapers are run by local volunteers, who record the local paper and local news for people who find print hard to read. Local talking newspapers are free. Find the nearest one through the Talking News Federation.
- Many council libraries lend talking books free to people who are registered blind or partially sighted, or who can't hold a book. Many also run a free home library service for people who can't get to the library, delivering large print books and talking books to the door. Ask the local library.
Around the home
Bright, even lighting and strong colour contrast help with poor sight too, such as plates that stand out from the table. Our guide to making a home dementia-friendly has more ideas that work for anyone with failing eyesight.