RNIB Cymru report: The cost of sight loss
Blind and partially sighted people in Wales are struggling to make ends meet. Through a survey and series of focus groups during the second half of 2023, RNIB Cymru discovered the extent to which blind and partially sighted people have been hit harder by the ongoing cost of living crisis than the general population.
Our research shows that blind and partially sighted people in Wales:
- are more likely to have experienced increases in the cost of transport, energy and food than the UK average because of the unique challenges caused by their sight loss such as increased reliance on taxis, greater need for lighting and being unable to access information on deals in supermarkets.
- incur additional but unavoidable costs because of their sight loss, with more than one in five reporting additional monthly costs of more than £200.
- are going without essentials to make ends meet.
- are going out less to save money and are experiencing isolation, loneliness and feelings of depression.
RNIB Cymru worked closely with campaigners to develop recommendations for Welsh Government and local authorities and calls for more targeted support for people with sight loss and for an accessible communication campaign that makes blind and partially sighted people aware of the support they’re entitled to.
Download the full report
