Frequently asked questions about sight loss

Will I lose my job now that my sight has deteriorated?

Hopefully you will be able to continue with your job. There may need to be some adjustment and this is where we can help.

Action for Blind People works with both employees and employers to achieve a satisfactory outcome for all concerned. With the help of your nearest Access to Work Team, specialist equipment can be provided to help you do your job such as:

• screen reading software
• screen magnification software
• CCTVs for reading documents

What other support is available to help me with my job?

You may also be able to get support with travel to and from work, or a support worker to help you with those parts of your job which are hard to perform due to your disability.

It may be possible to re-deploy you within the company, and if this cannot be done, we will work with you and your employer to achieve a mutually satisfactory result. If this is the case, we will support you to find alternative employment or undergo training if required.

Talk to a member of our team for further information - call our National Freephone Helpline on 0800 915 4666

Is there any financial help available to blind or partially sighted people?

Yes. There is help and our Welfare Rights team can advise you on what you may be entitled to. Please call our National Freephone Helpline on 0800 915 4666 and ask for a benefits check.

Where can I get equipment to help me read?

Our National Freephone Helpline has information about low vision clinics where you can go to have your vision assessed and receive magnifiers and low vision aids to assist you with reading. Your GP will need to refer you to your nearest low vision clinic.

Please call our National Freephone Helpline for further information on 0800 915 4666.

Do I need to register as partially sighted or blind, and how do I go about it?

Registration is a personal choice. It is not compulsory, but it can be very helpful when applying for benefits and concessions such as Disability Living Allowance, disabled persons’ rail card, or the half price TV licence.

A CVI (certificate of visual impairment) form needs to be completed by your ophthalmologist, and you will be registered as either sight impaired or severely sight impaired. A copy of the form will then be sent to you and your GP, and your case will be allocated to a Rehabilitation Officer for the Visually Impaired.

For further information, please call our National Freephone Helpline on 0800 915 4666.