First steps after a sight loss diagnosis
If you’ve recently been told you’re losing your sight, you may have questions, emotions, or uncertainty about what comes next. This page offers first steps, trusted advice and practical support to help you move forward.

Losing your sight can bring big changes, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. You may be feeling a mix of emotions, from shock and fear to confusion or even relief at finally having a diagnosis. Everyone’s experience is different, and there’s no right or wrong way to adjust.
Whether your diagnosis is new or you’re only just ready to seek support, we’re here for you. This page highlights the first steps you might find helpful and how we can support you.
How we can help
Our team can support you in a number of ways, from practical advice to emotional support. You can read more about each area on our How We Can Help page.
- Daily living and tech support – One-to-one advice on magnifiers, daily living aids and getting the most from your phone or tablet
- Social connection – Join one of our friendly social groups, online or in person, or connect through our Befriending Service
- Emotional wellbeing – If you’re struggling, we can connect you with free telephone counselling or peer support groups
- Employment advice – Help with understanding your rights, exploring workplace adjustments and Access to Work funding
- Adapting hobbies and leisure – Discover ways to keep doing what you love, with help from our team and monthly newsletter
We know it can take time to adjust and that taking the first step can feel hard. Whether you’re looking for practical help, emotional support or just someone to talk to, we’re here for you.
Contact us to find out how we can help you move forward.
Common questions after diagnosis
It’s normal to worry about how sight loss will affect your daily life, from getting around safely to cooking, working, or enjoying your hobbies. You might also wonder how to talk to others about your diagnosis, or what help is available.
You’re not alone, support is out there and there are many ways to adapt. We’ve outlined below some of the most common areas people ask about, with links to more detailed guidance.
Topics you might want to explore
Below are some of the questions people often ask in the early stages, along with links to helpful resources.
Understanding your diagnosis and treatment
Your ophthalmologist should explain your condition and whether any treatments are available. If you’re unsure, our advisors are available to help you get the information you need. You could also explore our Eye Conditions resources on our Knowledge Hub.
Certification and registration
Being certified as sight impaired or severely sight impaired may make you eligible for support like travel concessions, the Blue Badge scheme, and more. But you don’t need to be registered to get help from us.
Learn more about certification and registration
Rehabilitation support
Rehabilitation Officers from your local authority can help you learn new skills to stay independent — from safe cooking techniques to mobility training with a cane.
Understanding Rehabilitation webpage
Driving and legal requirements
If you drive, it’s important to check whether your vision meets the legal standards for driving. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to inform the DVLA.
This UK Government page explains the rules in more detail and tells you what to do next:
Check if you need to tell the DVLA about your eye condition
If you’ve recently stopped driving, or are coming to terms with that possibility, you might find this guide helpful:
Driving and sight loss: Finding support when you can no longer drive
It explores the emotional impact, travel alternatives, and the support available to help you stay independent.
Reading and sight loss
Struggling to read can be one of the biggest challenges after sight loss. Whether it’s books, recipes, post or your phone screen, losing this ability can feel frustrating or isolating.
The good news is there are many ways to read independently again. From magnifiers and text-to-speech devices to smartphone apps and audio books, there’s a solution to suit different needs and levels of vision.
Our Sight Loss Advisors can help you explore what’s right for you, and you can try out equipment at one of our local resource centres.
You might also like to read our guides:
Ten quick tips for reading and writing – Quick tips on magnification, lighting, and writing tools
Reading Independently – our guide to reading independently, covering magnifiers, text-to-speech readers, smartphone apps and the training we offer to help you get started.
Talking to Others About Your Diagnosis
Many people find it difficult to talk to family, friends, and colleagues about their sight loss. You may be concerned about how they will react, but having these conversations can help you get the support you need.
Here are some tips to help:
- Learn more about your condition so you can answer questions confidently
- Explain how sight loss affects you personally
- Be clear about the support you need (if any)
- Encourage friends and family to ask questions
It can take time to feel comfortable talking about your sight loss, so be kind to yourself and recognise that it may not be easy to discuss.
Other organisations that can help
You might also find support from national organisations specialising in particular conditions or age groups Find out more on our National Charities Supporting People with Sight Loss webpage
We’re here for you
If there’s anything you’re unsure about, or you’d just like to talk it through with someone, we’re here. Contact us