Visual Impairment

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.

If you feel you are having problems with your sight you should go to your GP or optician as soon as possible.

You may be referred to an eye clinic or ophthalmologist (a specialist in eyes). They examine your eyes and determine if there are any possible treatments for your condition.

Visit the NHS website to find an optician near you (opens in a new window).

Living with sight impairment can make life more complex, however, you can get support from various national and local organisations. You could also get equipment to meet your visual needs.

Sight Support

Formally known as Herb, Sight Support has been supporting local people with sight loss since 1864.

For over 150 years, Sight Support has been helping people across Hull and East Yorkshire with visual impairments to live full, active and happy lives.

Their services include:

• Aids and equipment
• Beach Holme tandem club
• Clubs and groups
• Day groups
• Glaucoma Group
• Home visiting service offering emotional and practical support
• Macular Society
• Resource centre
• SocialEYES leisure and activity programme
• Supported housing
• Technology and computers
• Transcriptions service
• Telephone befriending service

Visit the Sight Support website to find out more (opens in a new window.

You can contact them via:

• email - info@sightsupport.org  (opens in a new window)
• telephone - 01482 342 297

Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)

The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RINIB) is the largest charity for people with sight loss. You can find lots of useful information around sight loss, along with practical support.

Visit the RNIB website  (opens in a new window).

Alternatively you can contact them via:

• email - helpline@rnib.org.uk (opens in a new window)
• telephone helpline - 0303 123 9999

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association provides guide dogs, mobility and other rehabilitation services to meet the needs of blind and sight impaired people.

Visit the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association website to find out more (opens in a new window).

Alternatively you can contact them via:

• email - guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk (opens in a new window)
• telephone - 01189 835 555

The Macular Disease Society

The Macular Disease Society is a charity for people with macular disease, offering support, advice and information.

Visit the Macular Disease Society website for more information (opens in a new window).

You may find it easier to have documents in alterative formats. 
Alternative formats can include:

• audio versions such as tape or CD
• Braille
• large print

Documents such as bills, bank statements and letters from GP’s as well as general information can be made available to you in these formats.

You should contact the organisation that has produced the information and request for the document to be provided in your preferred format.

TV

If you are blind (severely sight impaired) and can provide the appropriate evidence, you are eligible to apply for a 50 per cent concession.

Audio description

Audio description is commentary that describes body language, expressions and movements, making the programme clear through sound. It sets the scene so you can clearly track what is taking place.

This service is available on:

• TV
• cinema
• sports events
• theatres

Blind person allowance is an extra tax free allowance which means you can earn more before you start paying tax.

You must be registered blind (severely sight impaired) to get this award.

To find out more about the Blind Persons Allowance, visit GOV.UK (opens in a new window)

Across the UK, there are a number of concessions that you can get if you a registered as sight impaired.

These include:

• tourist and heritage attractions
• museums and art galleries
• public leisure centres