Support for people with visual impairment

If you or someone you know is experiencing sight loss, we might be able to offer support as it progresses. You do not have to be registered as partially sighted or blind for us to help.

If you have difficulties with day-to-day life due to issues with your sight, ask us for an assessment. Our trained officers will visit you and work with you to see where you need some help. More information is available on our assessment page.

If the assessment indicates you need some help, a rehabilitation worker can help support you. This could include:

• learning how to safely do day-to-day tasks without sight
• getting new equipment that helps you around the house
• using low vision aids (eg magnifying glasses)
• a review of your benefits
• practical help around the home
• learning how to use a cane
• teaching friends, family and colleagues about ways to help you.

They’ll also be able to show you relevant charities and agencies that can help you.

If you go for a hospital appointment and your doctor considers you should be registered as blind or partially sighted, they’ll send us a letter. The Council has a legal responsibility to keep a register of all blind or partially sighted people in the area. We’ll get in touch with you to check if you’re happy to be registered. You don’t have to register. However, some benefits and services provided by third parties are only available to people who are registered. 

If you are aged between 16 and 20 and have a visual impairment, find out about support and information available to you and your family.

What kind of equipment could help me around the house?

While it depends on how your sight is, examples of things that can help are:

• liquid level indicators (which beep when your cup is almost full)
• talking clocks
• big button telephones
• white canes.

The range of assistive equipment is growing all the time as technology develops.

Communication and access to information

Reading and writing can be difficult if you’re blind or partially sighted. Low vision aids such as magnifiers, marker pens, writing guides or plastic grips for pens can be a help. Services and charities are able to help you work out which aids are best for you.

Optometrists in Derby can provide Low Vision Aids assessments to help you work out what sort of equipment you need.

Utility companies and banks must make their services accessible. You might be able to get bills and statements in large print or personal account details via a phone call.

Large print and talking books are available from local libraries, and the Royal National Institute of Blind has a Braille library.

There are large button landline and mobile phones available from high street shops as well as the RNIB. BT offers a free directory enquiry service for people who cannot use the telephone directory.

For details of other organisations who can help you, download a copy of Useful contacts for people with a visual impairment.

My Care Directory

The My Care Directory can provide information on a range of services to support those living with disabilities including people with sight loss.

The directory is made up of organisations (for example, businesses, service providers and third sector organisations) that offer services in Derby City. (Their inclusion in the My Care Directory does not constitute a recommendation, advice or endorsement by the Council).