Of the two million people with a sight problem in the UK, 90 per cent are over 60. If you, or someone you know is an older person, you can find a wide range of information on this website to support you.
If you need help, advice or support, you can contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
Information and advice
Adapting to sight loss
Our guide is a good place to start exploring the website. It has been designed to help you come to terms with a diagnosis and introduce you to the information and support available from RNIB.
Become a member
Get involved and closer to our services by becoming a member. Our membership magazine Vision contains all the latest news and information about new products and services.
Eye conditions
Our individual eye condition pages are medically checked and designed to be as useful as possible. We have grouped them in alphabetical order to make them easier to find quickly.
Sources of help
Advice, services and support for people with sight problems, including guidance on getting regular eye tests.
Older people and eye tests campaign
Our research tells us that 47 per cent of people over 60 fail to have their eyes tested regularly. Many conditions are prevented or treated if caught early enough so book an eye test soon.
Practical and emotional support
Talk and Support
Talk and Support brings people together over the telephone. Groups meet to socialise, learn, share information and support each other. And you take part from the comfort of your own home!
Residential care for older people
We run three residential homes offering permanent and short-term accommodation with care for blind, partially sighted and deafblind older people. We also offer advice on finding a care home.
At home
Our advice, support and tips aim to make your life at home easier. Find out about adaptations and ways to reduce your bills. Discover activities and organisations that can improve your living space.
Emotional support and counselling
We offer emotional support services, information and counselling to people who are experiencing emotional difficulties as a result of sight loss.
Community care
Community care (sometimes called social care) is provided by a local authority's social services department. You can get help with shopping and looking after your home and get hold of useful aids and adaptations.
Leisure
Theatres
Get information on all aspects of watching and enjoying theatre for blind and partially sighted people.
Audio description
Do you have difficulty following the plot or story line of a TV programme? If so you may find that audio description can assist you. Like a narrator telling a story, an additional commentary describes body language, expressions and movements, making the story clear through sound.
Museums and galleries
There are accessible museums, galleries and heritage sites across the UK, as well as those that have events for blind and partially sighted people.
Holidays
Everybody needs a holiday from time to time. Enjoy a change of scenery, a different environment, a chance to meet new people or simply take time for yourself. It can really be of benefit.
Talking Book Service
Get hold of the largest collection of unabridged audio books in the UK. Enjoy choosing from a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles and continue your love of reading.
Help RNIB
Get involved
Do you have some free time? Would you like to join our 4000 volunteers to provide vital services that support people with sight problems? Our volunteers help people to live independently and tackle everyday challenges. We have opportunities UK wide and some roles can be done from home. Speak to us to match a role to your interests.