Being diagnosed as having a sight problem, or believing that this may be the case, can be an anxious time. Feelings of worry and uncertainty about the future can be hard to cope with.
RNIB provides a telephone helpline service giving advice, information and support to anyone living with sight loss. A specialist advice worker can spend time with you over the phone, directing you to the support available in your local area and beyond. Our Helpline telephone number is 0303 123 9999 or you can email helpline@rnib.org.uk
You can also can look through this introduction to the information and support available from RNIB to help you with coming to terms with a diagnosis.
Suspected problems with your eyes
If you suspect you have a problem with your eyes or are experiencing some degree of sight loss, this can be very stressful.
It is important that your eyes are examined and you receive a professional diagnosis as soon as possible. In some cases, early diagnosis can prevent further sight loss entirely or stop a condition from becoming worse. It is impossible for you to fully examine your own eye and determine all potential problems - you must visit an eye clinic.
Visiting an optician for an eye examination can detect problems with the health of your eyes as well as changes to your sight. We recommend everyone having a test at least every two years, even if you are not experiencing any problems.
After your eye test explains what happens after an eye examination.
If your eye or other medical conditions makes it difficult for you to get out and about, you may be able to have an eye examination in your home.
If you have been given an eye clinic appointment, Referral to a hospital for diagnosis tells you what to expect and offers some ideas for getting the best from your visit. Who does what in eye care describes the different eye care specialists you may meet at the hospital or in the community.
The Finding Your Feet sight loss support programmes could help you get back on your feet. Three programmes are available: First Steps, Striding Out and Steps Into Work. Each programme provides you with an oppportunity to meet others in a similar situation, and discuss solutions to practical problems.
Recently diagnosed as having sight problems
If you've been told you have an eye condition that could lead or has led to blindness or partial sight, this can be difficult to come to terms with or understand.
Everyone reacts differently to their diagnosis. Some feel shock, anger, fear, sadness, loss or a combination of these. You may worry how you will cope or feel upset about the changes you are facing. Some people will want to get practical things sorted before they can think about how they feel, whilst others will not be able to make use of practical support until they have begun to deal with their feelings. Some people will want to tackle both together.
You should be given the opportunity by your eye clinic to understand your condition and how it may affect you, or be directed to further sources of help and support.
You can also contact RNIB, where specialist advisors will be happy to talk through your condition and send free detailed information to help you understand it better.
Our eye condition guides can tell you more about your own condition, what it means and how it can be treated.
Visit our eye health forum to discuss your eye condition with other people. You may find people who are in the same situation as you or who share their experience of dealing with a diagnosis.
If talking to someone might help, our Emotional Support Telephone Service offers confidential support and information over the telephone from trained counsellors.
The Finding Your Feet sight loss support programmes could help you get back on your feet. Three programmes are available: First Steps, Striding Out and Steps Into Work. Each programme provides you with an oppportunity to meet others in a similar situation, and discuss solutions to practical problems.
Getting the right help
Following your diagnosis, you will need to find out how to obtain the right level fo help and support you need.
RNIB produce a free leaflet called Living with sight loss which is aimed at those who have recently been diagnosed with sight problems. You can order a copy of the leaflet or an audio CD for free from the RNIB Online Shop.
Making changes
Our hints and tips on doing everyday things can help you find new ways of doing daily tasks.
Talk to other people with sight loss
Our living with sight loss discussion board contains discussions about everything and anything to do with having a sight problem. Read the messages, ask a question or share your own experience - its open to all.
If you are a parent or a friend / relation of someone with a sight problem, you may find one of our other discussion boards useful.
You will need to register with this website to contribute to the discussions but you are then free to add to any of the discussions, events. Please read our registered users terms and conditions before joining any of the groups.
Getting the help you need
If you find you have difficulty managing at home, you may be able to get community care support to help you keep your independence. Your GP may be able to refer you to a low vision service to help you with making the best use of the sight you have, such as the Low Vision Centre at RNIB Judd Street.
The Finding Your Feet sight loss support programmes could help you get back on your feet. Three programmes are available: First Steps, Striding Out and Steps Into Work. Each programme provides you with an oppportunity to meet others in a similar situation, and discuss solutions to practical problems.
Telling others what you need
Often, other people are very glad to help when asked but they may be unsure or not know what help is most useful to you, so you may have to help people to help you. Our How to guide people with sight problems tips will give others an idea of the sort of help you might need.
Your rights
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) gives a range of rights to people with disabilities in getting goods, facilities and services; and in sectors such as employment, housing and education (whatever your age).
You may also be entitled to help with:
Living life to the full
Social life and leisure
Just because you have a sight problem, it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy life! There are many leisure activities that can be enjoyed. Find out more about:
Getting involved
Become an RNIB Member and receive a regular information about eye health issues and the latest products and services in our exclusive member's magazine Vision. Call the RNIB Membership team on 0870 787 0077 or 01604 64 00 40 to join or to find out more.
RNIB campaigns to improve and safeguard the wellbeing of people with sight loss.
Information for you
This site has further information for particular groups:
If you still have questions you can contact RNIB's Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk