Visual impairment

Changesto your home

Most visually impaired people can continue to live at home. However, you'llprobably need to makesome changes to your home, particularly if you live on your own.

Below is a list of someimportant pieces of equipment you may find useful.

Big-button telephone both landline and mobile models are available from the RNIB online shop.
Computer the internet can provide a real sense of connection to friends and family as well as other people with a visual impairment. It's also a practical way of finding out information and obtaining goods and services. Big-button keyboards, screen display software and text readers are available from the RNIB.
Community alarm this small, wearable device has an alarm button which, if pressed, sends an alarm signal to a response centre, which will alert a nominated friend or carer. Your local authority should be able to provide you with further information.
Bright lighting bright light bulbs and adjustable lights are essential for your home, particularly in the kitchen and the stairs (areas where you're most likely to have an accident). Fluorescent bulbs are recommended because they produce the most light and tend to be cheaper in the long term than conventional bulbs.

The way your house is painted can also make it easier to find your way around. Using a two-tone contrast approach, such as black and white, can make it easier to tell the difference between nearby objects, such as a door and its handle or the stairs and its handrail.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for visual impairment

Information and advice for people with vision loss

Information for people with vision loss including details of support organisations, plus advice about specialist equipment, home modifications and mobility.

Support groups

If you're blind or partially sighted, you may find it helpfulto contact a support group for people with visionloss. Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) TheRoyal National Institute of Blind

Registering as blind or partially sighted

If your vision has deteriorated to a certain level, you may choose to register as visually impaired. Depending on the severity of your vision loss you'll either be registered as sight impaired (previo

Changesto your home

Most visually impaired people can continue to live at home. However, you'llprobably need to makesome changes to your home, particularly if you live on your own. Below is a list of someimportant pieces

Reading and writing

There are several options available if you're having problems reading standard text in books, newspapers and magazines. One of the simplest options is to usea magnifying device that can make print app

Getting around

There are several different methods you can use toget around independentlyif you have a problem with your vision. Long cane You may find a long cane useful when travelling. These type ofcanes are usua

Employment

If you're currently employed and have recently been diagnosed with a visual impairment, you should contact theAccess to Work scheme. Access to Work is a scheme run by Jobcentre Plus that provides advi

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