Practical Advice

Having problems with your eyes?

Having an eye test can detect problems with the health of your eyes as well as changes to your sight. It is recommended that you have an eye test at least every two years. If you are noticing symptoms of any kind, you should visit a doctor or high street optician as soon as possible to get your eyes checked. Early diagnosis can prevent further sight loss.

TLP’s top 5 tips for dealing with sight loss

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help, GET AN EYE TEST!
• Learn as much about your condition as you can.
• Find out about your rights and what you are entitled to as a visually impaired person.
• Try to meet other people with the same or similar condition
• Be patient, accepting and adapting to sight loss can take time.

Getting help

It is inevitable that sight loss will lead to change in your daily life. Many people find it difficult to adjust at first, and it is perfectly normal to want help and advice. There are many services that can offer this help. For example, if you feel unable to talk to your GP or optometrist, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) provides an emotional support service offering confidential support and information over the telephone from trained counsellors. More details about this service can be found on their website.

Often coping with sight loss means learning new ways of doing day-to-day tasks, both in the home and outside. Other people are usually willing to help, but are unsure as to what help is most beneficial to you. However, if you find you have difficulty managing at home, you may be eligible to receive community care support to help you keep your independence.

Your rights

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) gives a range of rights to people with all kinds of disabilities, including visual impairment. The DDA has sections detailing your rights with direct reference to employment, education, public transport, and the provision of goods and services.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act you may also be entitled to welfare benefits, and help obtaining employment. The full details of the Act can be found on the Government website for Public Sector Information.

Beauty

As a consequence of having a visual impairment it can be difficult to apply your own make-up or style your own hair. To make sure that you always look your best, read the London Project’s top tips below:

TLP’s Top Beauty Tips

• Keep hair and make-up simple, less is more.
• The advice of a trusted friend or a professional, and be clear on what you want, always ask when out shopping or in the hairdressers.
• Use make-up remover pads or wipes, as they are much easier to use than creams or liquids.
• When buying make-up ask for a physical demonstration so that you can get an idea of how the different techniques being described to you feel.
• If you have some sight a small magnifying mirror is useful to carry around with you.

If you would like more information Action for Blind People has more detailed advice on their website, covering how to apply make-up to your skin, lips and eyes, as well as hair and nail tips.