Eye conditions
Find out more about your eye condition
Read our guides to eye conditions. You can also contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk Our most popular guides are produced jointly by RNIB and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
If you have one of the less common eye diseases, our information on rare eye conditions gives information on specialist support groups.
General information
Advice and services for people with sight problems
Being diagnosed with a serious eye condition can come as a shock. Our Coping with sight loss information offers ideas on where to get services and advice to help you cope.
Sometimes people find it difficult to cope with the emotional impact of losing their sight. RNIB's Emotional Support Service can help people come to terms with the changes which sight loss brings to their lives.
How to access low vision services
Generally this is by referral from your GP. If you are currently receiving hospital eyecare, ask to be referred to the low vision service.
Roles of different eye health professionals
Read our guide to who's who in eye health for information about the different eye health professionals.
Register as blind or partially sighted
To register as blind or partially sighted you have to see your hospital eye doctor. They complete a form which is then sent to your local social services department for people with poor sight. This department will then contact you to see what services you may need. They will also send you some confirmation that you have been registered as blind or partially sighted.
About eye tests
It is recommended that everyone should get an eye test every two years. However, you may have been told by your optician or specialist that you should get checked more frequently.
Eye tests are free for some people, for instance if you are aged over 60. Visiting an optician gives more information.
Not only does an eye test examine your vision for glasses but they are also an essential health check for your eyes. Optometrists can check for eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. They can also check for glaucoma, which left undetected may take away a lot of vision without you noticing. Find out more on Having an eye test.
For professionals
We offer a number of open short courses for eyecare professionals, including health and social care courses and Children's Services courses. We can also provide bespoke courses.