Protective eyewear
It is advisable to wear UV eyeshields when light or glare is causing discomfort. This will generally be outside in the sunlight but may also occur indoors under certain light types or from sunlight through a window.
UV shields act to reduce the amount of ultra violet light that enters the eye. They are designed to improve visual comfort by reducing glare and increasing contrast while maximising protection and remaining vision.
UV shields are suitable for everyone who requires light protection from bright light, not just people with sight problems.
Download our guide to choosing a pair of eyeshields (Word, 256KB).
RNIB's range of eyeshields.
Symbol canes
Symbol canes are intended to be used only to indicate sight loss and to advise the public that the user has a degree of sight loss.
They are not designed with the strength required to be used as mobility aids of for supporting a person's body weight.
RNIB's range of symbol canes.
Guide canes
A guide cane should always point to the floor and can be used in a diagonal position across the lower part of the body for protection, or using a scanning technique to check for kerbs and steps.
The cane should reach just above waist level when the user is standing upright with the tip of the cane touching the ground between their legs.
Guide canes are not to be used for supporting a person's bodyweight.
RNIB's range of guide canes.
Long canes
The long cane is a mobility aid and should only be used by people who have attended a specialist course. These courses train the user on how to use the long cane to obtain a high level of safe and independent travel.
It should reach between the user's sternum (breastbone) and under the chin, when the user is standing upright and the cane tip is touch the ground between their legs. The length and speed of the user's walking stride will also affect the length of cane required.
Long canes are not to be used for supporting a person's body weight.
RNIB's range of long canes. Different lengths and colours of long canes can be supplied by special order, with an extended delivery time of four to six weeks.
Children's canes
Children's canes are similar to long canes; however, they come in shorter lengths.
RNIB's range of children's canes.
Cane tips
RNIB offers three fitting styles of cane tip:
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hook style
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push-on style
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thread style.
Download our guide to choosing cane tips (Word, 339KB).
RNIB's range of cane tips.
If you need a replacement tip, cap or elastic you should approach your Local Society or Social Services Department for assistance. It is recommended that only the manufacturer's replacement parts be used.
Walking sticks
Walking sticks are intended as a means of support for people with sight loss and not as an aid to mobility.
Please seek assistance from an occupational therapist or physiotherapist to ensure the stick is the correct length and can give the support required.
RNIB's range of walking sticks offers a choice of wooden or metal sticks, rigid or folding sticks and a variety of handles. Different lengths of walking sticks can be supplied by special order, with an extended delivery time of four to six weeks.
Walking stick ferrules
Ferrules are excellent for increased stability and safety on uneven surfaces. It is important to replace worn ferrules.
Download our guide to choosing walking stick ferrules (Word, 218KB).
RNIB's range of ferrules.
Online Shop
With more than 17,000 customers, our online shop is the UK's leading supplier of products for people with sight problems.
The free Mobility and Independence book provides an opportunity to keep a continuous record throughout a child's life on their mobility and independence