Knowledge Hub
From daily living tips to emotional support and accessible tech – find the information that matters to you, all in one place.
Welcome to our Knowledge Hub
Here you’ll find practical information, tips and resources for living with sight loss. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for help with a specific topic, our articles are grouped into helpful categories to make it easy to explore.
Some topics may appear in more than one section – so feel free to browse or use the search bar to find what you need. We update the hub regularly, so check back for the latest guidance and ideas.
First steps after a sight loss diagnosis
Newly diagnosed with sight loss? This guide explores common questions, emotional support, and practical ways to move forward with confidence.
Find out more about "First steps after a sight loss diagnosis"
Apps that make a difference: Seeing AI
A practical overview of Seeing AI, a free app that can help blind and partially sighted people access text, objects and everyday information using a smartphone.
Find out more about "Apps that make a difference: Seeing AI"
Adjusting to using a cane: why it can feel hard and how it can help
Using a cane can feel like a big step. This article explores why it can be difficult to start, how perspectives can change, and the freedom a cane can bring.
Find out more about "Adjusting to using a cane: why it can feel hard and how it can help"
Visual impairment awareness document for hospital stays
A printable document you can use during a hospital stay to help others understand your visual impairment and any support or adjustments you may need.
Find out more about "Visual impairment awareness document for hospital stays"
The emotional impact of sight loss
Sight Loss can affect a person’s emotional life, identity, and mental wellbeing. Find out how the 5 stages of grief theory can help you come to terms with sight loss.
Tips and tricks at home
Managing at home can be one of the biggest challenges when diagnosed with sight loss. Everyday tasks can sometimes seem insurmountable, there are many simple tips and tricks that can make a difference.
Practical tips for parenting with sight loss
Practical, real-life parenting tips shared by blind and partially sighted parents, offering reassurance and ideas based on lived experience.
Find out more about "Practical tips for parenting with sight loss"
Podcasts
More and more people are enjoying podcasts but with so many podcasts out there, it can be hard to know where to start, here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Tips and tricks for holidaying
Going on holiday can be accessible and enjoyable to those living with sight loss, our 15 tips might help you navigate some of the issues.
Tips and tricks in the kitchen
We’ve collected some of your handy hints to help make navigating your kitchen and cooking meals a little bit easier, and of course to help you stay safe.
Certification and Registration
Find out what certification and registration mean when you’re diagnosed with sight loss, and how they could help you access support.
Making your communications accessible: Best practice guidance for organisations
A practical guide for businesses and organisations on how to make written materials, signage and digital content accessible for people with sight loss.
A friendly sight: Our social groups for blind and partially sighted people
Our social groups offer a warm welcome, shared experiences and a chance to build friendships. Join a local meet-up or connect online from home.
Find out more about "A friendly sight: Our social groups for blind and partially sighted people"
Local leisure, social and support opportunities
Discover local leisure, social and peer support opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across our regions.
Find out more about "Local leisure, social and support opportunities"
Apps that make a difference: Public transport apps
A practical guide to public transport apps that can help blind and partially sighted people plan journeys and get around by bus or train.
Find out more about "Apps that make a difference: Public transport apps"
Apps that make a difference: Eating out apps
A practical overview of food and restaurant apps that can help blind and partially sighted people find places to eat, order food, and explore dining options at home or when out and about.
Find out more about "Apps that make a difference: Eating out apps"
Tips and tricks for reading and writing
Ten quick tips for reading and writing. From magnifiers and lighting, to audiobooks, writing guides and large print calendars.
Find out more about "Tips and tricks for reading and writing"
Tips and tricks for shopping
Our rehab officers share simple, effective tips to help make shopping more manageable when you’re blind or partially sighted.
Get into the garden
An introduction to gardening with sight loss, with ideas to help you feel confident in your garden. Includes tips on layout, planting, sensory gardening, and finding further support.
Standing Exercises for Older People
Our audio-described exercise sessions are specifically designed for older people with visual impairments to do in the comfort of their own home. Ten sessions are available.
Seated Exercises for Older People
Our audio-described exercise sessions are designed specifically for older people to help with balance, stretching, muscle strengthening and cardio. Six sessions available.
Rehabilitation – What is it?
Learn what rehabilitation for sight loss involves, how a Rehabilitation Officer can support daily living and mobility, and how to access rehabilitation services in your local area.
Kitchen skills and simple recipes
This booklet covers the most important areas of consideration when in the kitchen, provides handy tips, describes some of the specialist equipment available, and includes some easy recipes for you to try.
Download about "Kitchen skills and simple recipes" (PDF 187 KB)
Parenting or grandparenting when you have sight loss
Karen shares her experiences as a blind parent and offers encouragement, practical advice, and real-life insights from other visually impaired parents and grandparents.
Find out more about "Parenting or grandparenting when you have sight loss"
Making TV more accessible: Audio description and other tools for better viewing
TVs and streaming services can be more accessible than you think. Learn how to use audio description, screen magnification, and voice guidance to make watching easier.
Benefits and allowances: a gateway to financial support
Struggling with finances? Learn which benefits and allowances could help, including PIP, Attendance Allowance and gateway benefits that unlock extra support.
Find out more about "Benefits and allowances: a gateway to financial support"
Travel Apps for Bus Journeys
Travel Apps can help you plan your journey by entering your destination into the search box, the App will then give you a route plan, including bus numbers and departure times.
Bake like a pro: Accessible baking tips
Practical baking tips to help you feel confident in the kitchen, from using talking scales to testing your bakes by touch.
Find out more about "Bake like a pro: Accessible baking tips"
Making Technology Work for You – Devices that can help
Practically every new phone, tablet or computer has built-in accessibility functions which can make a real difference to people with sight loss. Read this brief summary of some of the devices which can help.
Find out more about "Making Technology Work for You – Devices that can help"
Technology in Your Pocket
So many of us have a smart phone or tablet sat on the table next to us or in our pockets, but are we all making the most of them? There are a few simple things you can do to make your device work for you.
Who’s who in the hospital eye clinic
Read about the different roles there are in an Eye Hospital and what each person does
Sight Loss – what we needed to know
This booklet is full of useful information put together by people living with sight loss at different stages of their journeys. Includes quotes about their experiences, and their top 10 tips for coping with sight loss.
Download about "Sight Loss – what we needed to know" (DOCX 61 KB)
Employment – preparing for work
hinking about work or returning to work after sight loss can feel daunting. This page outlines the main sources of employment advice, training, and support available in the UK to help you plan your next steps.
Driving and sight loss: finding support if you can no longer drive
Giving up driving can be one of the hardest parts of sight loss. This article explores emotional reactions, legal information, and practical ways to stay independent.
Find out more about "Driving and sight loss: finding support if you can no longer drive"
Employment – applying for a job
Practical guidance on applying for jobs if you are blind or partially sighted, including writing a CV, completing application forms, requesting reasonable adjustments, and finding extra support with applications.
Employment – your rights and support at work
An overview of your rights at work if you are blind or partially sighted, including reasonable adjustments and Access to Work, with links to trusted sources for further advice.
Find out more about "Employment – your rights and support at work"
Gardening tips and tricks
Practical gardening tips for blind and partially sighted people, covering organisation, planting, safety, and enjoying time outdoors.
Stay safe from scams
Practical advice to help you stay safe from scams, whether by phone, text, email or online. This page explains common tactics used by fraudsters and what to do if something does not feel right.
Understanding fatigue and sight loss
An overview of fatigue and sight loss, why it happens, how it can affect daily life, and practical ways to manage energy and wellbeing.
Eating to support eye health
Advice on diet and nutrition to support eye health, including key nutrients that may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Learning to speak up
A personal reflection on learning to speak up, self-advocacy, and finding confidence when adjusting to sight loss.
Free directory enquiries (195 service)
Information about the free 195 directory enquiries service, which can help blind and partially sighted people find phone numbers if they cannot read or use a phone book.
Find out more about "Free directory enquiries (195 service)"
What white cane? Finding the right mobility aid for you
Not sure if a white cane is for you? Learn about the different types of canes, how they support mobility and confidence, and what options are available.
Find out more about "What white cane? Finding the right mobility aid for you"
Is social media worthwhile?
ocial media can offer connection, perspective, and shared experience. This article explores how it may be useful and suggests accounts shared by blind and partially sighted people.
Accessible places to visit across the region
Accessible days out and places to visit across Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, with links to trusted local directories sharing accessibility information.
Find out more about "Accessible places to visit across the region"
“Be My Eyes” App
Alun Davies reviews this must have App for blind and partially sighted people. I have been totally blind since 1978. In 2015 I discovered the iPhone and this I told...
Identifying sterling currency with little or no vision
Learn how to tell UK coins and notes apart using touch if you have little or no vision.
Find out more about "Identifying sterling currency with little or no vision"
Making Technology Work For You – Built in technology
Your everyday technology (e.g. mobile phone / tablet) has a large range of built in features you can use to help with the challenges sight loss can pose.
Find out more about "Making Technology Work For You – Built in technology"
Reading independently
No matter what level of sight you have, there are ways in which we can help you to remain an independent reader.
Making Tech Work for you – Travel Apps
Travel apps can help with planning and safely navigating your journey - find out more.
Find out more about "Making Tech Work for you – Travel Apps"
Are we there yet? Making holidays easier with sight loss
Find out about holidaying when you have sight loss, the accessible options and adaptations that can help make your holiday great.
Find out more about "Are we there yet? Making holidays easier with sight loss"
Making Tech Work for You – Online Shopping
As someone registered blind, one of the most difficult things I have found to do is food shopping, an everyday task that most people take for granted. My experience in...
Find out more about "Making Tech Work for You – Online Shopping"
Cataracts
Find out about Cataracts - their symptoms, how they are diagnosed, what can cause them, how they can be treated and links to further resources.
Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Find out about Charles Bonnet Syndrome - its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, what can cause it, how to manage it and links to further resources.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Find out about Diabetic Retinopathy - its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, what causes it, how it can be managed and links to further resources.
Glaucoma
Find out about Glaucoma - its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, what causes it, how it can be managed and links to further resources.
Macular Degeneration
Find out about Macular Degeneration- its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, what causes it, how it can be managed and links to further resources.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Find out about Retinitis Pigmentosa - its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, what causes it, how it can be managed and links to further resources.
Technology Guides
Have a look through our range of accessible guides to help you make the most of the technology you have in your home.
In good company: Building friendships with sight loss
Living with sight loss can feel isolating, but finding others who understand makes a difference. This article explores how connection can support wellbeing.
Find out more about "In good company: Building friendships with sight loss"
How audio description brings the world to life
An introduction to audio description and how it can make TV, theatre, art, and sport more accessible for blind and partially sighted people.
Find out more about "How audio description brings the world to life"
National charities supporting blind and partially sighted people
Find out which national charities support people with sight loss, and how they can help with advice, condition-specific guidance and more.
Find out more about "National charities supporting blind and partially sighted people"
Sighted guiding: Countryside walking
This guidance is for sighted guides supporting blind and partially sighted people on countryside walks. It covers communication, good guiding practice, potential hazards, and how to manage them safely.
Download about "Sighted guiding: Countryside walking" (DOCX 98 KB)
Blind Person’s Tax Allowance
An overview of Blind Person’s Tax Allowance, explaining what it is, who may be eligible, and how to make a claim.
Audio described breathwork practice class
This 10-minute YouTube session produced by Metro Blind Sport is a perfect way to de-stress. An audio-described introduction to Breathwork Practice.
Accessible workouts for blind and partially sighted people
This YouTube channel from Eyes Free Fitness contains 24 classes, including workouts, yoga classes, pilates, balance and stretch exercises.
Follow link to "Accessible workouts for blind and partially sighted people"
Accessible Information Standard – what it means for you
The Accessible Information Standard sets out your right to receive information and communication support from NHS and adult social care services in a way that you can access and understand.
Find out more about "Accessible Information Standard – what it means for you"
