Sight difficulties

If you're struggling with your eyesight, you should go and see an optician. They'll see if you need glasses, or if there are other problems.

What you can do to help yourself

Your eyes can be quite sensitive, so it makes sense to protect them from some common causes of damage.

• Do wear safety goggles if you're doing DIY, as they will stop splinters and chemicals getting in your eyes
• Do wear sunglasses with the CE mark on them, as these protect your eyes from ultra-violet radiation
• Don't rub your eyes if you get some grit in them, or if you damage them in some way
• Do get your eyes tested regularly. Some people can get a free eye test
• If you have difficutly getting out of the house, there are some accessible opticians, who have either wheelchair accessible shops, or they will do an eye test in your home

Televisions, computers and your eyes

Staring at a television or computer screen won't do much long-term damage. However, your eyes can get tired and strained, and this can make existing problems worse. It's best to take short, regular breaks from looking at screens. Anti-glare screens and correct positioning will also help your eyes.

• Find out more about looking after your eyes

Problems with your eyes

Your optician may refer you to your GP if you have an eye disease. You may also be referred to a consultant ophthalmologist (specialist eye doctor), in which case, you should be given a choice of consultants.

There are some quite common eye problems which you can find out about from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). They suggest that a significant number of people's sight loss is because they didn't visit their optician early enough.

If the doctor has checked your eyes, and they don't think you can manage everyday tasks, they should suggest that you contact social services.

Keeping safe at home

You are more likely to trip and fall, if you have poor eyesight, so:

• Check for hazards in your home
• Keep your home well-lit. If you're disabled, contact Helping Hands on 0161 793 2864 which can help you with changing light bulbs, and generally help make your home safer
• Make sure other people know of your sight difficulties

Equipment

Many shops now sell equipment to help you around the home and out and about. British Telecom's website includes inclusive communications. The RNIB online shop has over 1,000 different products.

You can also try mobility equipment shops which will often sell:

• Speaking clocks and watches
• Large button phones
• Magnifiers
• Tactile dials (dials that you can feel as well as see)
• Other equipment

If you need more health or social care support due to your sight difficulties, please contact social services.

Registering as blind or partially sighted

If your specialist eye doctor or optician recommends it, you can register as blind or partially sighted.

Depending on your registration, this entitles you to a:

• Free bus pass
• Blue badge
• Discounted taxi vouchers 
• 50% reduction on your TV licence
• Increased tax allowance
• Possible council tax reduction

Other useful contacts

There are many local and national organisations that advise, support, campaign for and provide activities for blind and partially sighted people.

• Directgov has a list of support organisations
• Henshaws society for blind people 
• Salford City College 
• RNIB

Who to contact

Name

Adul Social Care Contact Team

Address

Salford Civic Centre
Chorley Road
Swinton
Salford

M27 5AW
Map to this location

Telephone

0161 909 6517

Email

social.services@salford.gov.uk

Minicom

0161 909 6527

Additional information

Text: 07970 134894

This page was last updated on 23 January 2012