Living with sight loss

Adjusting to life with sight loss is a major challenge for the individual and their family. There are enormous practical and emotional implications to coming to terms with sight loss at any age, but losing your sight, or facing a reduction in your vision, as an older person brings some unique challenges.

The United Nations’ Principles for Older Persons focus on independence, dignity, self-fulfillment, participation and care. In order for these principles to be translated into tangible actions, the particular needs of older people living with sight loss, which will be outlined below, must be taken into account in mainstream decision making processes.

Additional costs for an older person who is blind or has a vision impairment can include adaptations to the home to ensure that they can continue to live independently and safely; increased costs for heating and light, as the person may spend more time at home and will require additional lighting for certain tasks; aids and equipment to maximise independence, such as devices which read text aloud or enlarge text on a screen like a CCTV (closed circuit television) and assistive computer software; additional transport costs, especially for those living in rural areas who may have to use taxis regularly and the additional cost of support for cleaning in the home and gardening. Emotional issues include social isolation and depression.