Is social media worthwhile?
When you’re adjusting to sight loss, social media can feel like another unfamiliar space to navigate. For some people, it’s simply a way to pass time. For others, it can offer connection, shared experience, and reassurance that they are not alone.
Social media is a broad term that covers websites and apps where people share text, photos, videos, and comments. Popular platforms include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
Social media often gets criticised as being shallow or distracting, but many blind and partially sighted people use it in thoughtful ways. Some share practical tips, personal reflections, or honest accounts of the emotional side of sight loss. Others use it to stay in touch with friends, family, or people with shared interests.
One person told us:
“I believe finding blind and partially sighted people online played an important role in me developing a positive outlook around being visually impaired.”
If you’re curious, you don’t need to be active or share personal information. Many people simply watch, listen, or read at their own pace.
Accounts you might explore
The accounts listed below are examples of people who share experiences of sight loss, technology, creativity, and everyday life. Social media changes quickly, and not every account will suit everyone, but these may offer a starting point if you’re interested.
UK-based creators
Lucy Edwards lucyedwards.com
Lucy’s motto in life is that she is blind, not broken. Her educational videos prove that having a disability doesn’t have to hold you back.
Claire Sisk
Claire uses social media to challenge misconceptions about sight loss and to share tips for navigating life as a blind or partially sighted person. She uses humour to educate and to break down barriers. She uses the account name @CanSeeCantSee across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Holly Tuke lifeofablindgirl.com
Holly, who has been blind since birth, started her blog, Life of a Blind Girl, in 2015 to illuminate what it’s like to be a young woman with sight loss. She was named one of the most influential disabled people in the UK.
International creators
Molly Burke mollyburkeofficial.com
An upbeat vlogger who often talks about makeup and fashion. She also makes very personal videos about the emotional challenges of living as a blind person.
Tommy Edison tommyedison.com
Tommy was born blind and uses humour to answer the most popular questions about living without sight. He takes on challenges that allow him to experience things for the first time.
James Rath jamesrath.ia
A filmmaker, accessibility activist and speaker who talks about accessible technology.
Derek Daniel youtube.com/@LifeAfterSightLoss
Derek is dedicated to helping people discover life after sight loss. Derek provides encouragement, product reviews, life advice, how to’s and much more
Dan Mancina instagram.com/danthemancina
An inspirational blind skateboarder.
This list is not exhaustive, and inclusion here is not an endorsement. You may find other voices that resonate more strongly with your own experiences.
Accessing social media
If you’re interested in using social media but feel unsure where to start, support is available. Our Digital Skills team can help you explore accessibility features and find ways of using technology that feel comfortable for you.
RNIB also offers guidance on using social media accessibly. You can search for “Guide to accessible social media” on their website.