Vision impairment
Any decline in your sight should be checked by an optician. You may be finding that:
- colours look a bit washed out
- you’re finding it difficult to judge the depth of steps
- straight lines look wobbly
- you find it hard to read
- you're struggling to see road signs when you’re driving
These signs are not just part of getting older. They are telling you that something is wrong.
Everyone should visit their optician every two years, unless advised otherwise. Lots of people can get free eye tests. Find out if you're eligible - Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers - NHS.
You can find out more about Vision loss - NHS.
Further information and support for vision impairment
Once your sight loss has been assessed by your optician, you may want more information.
There are local and national services that you can access.
CamSight and Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind are local, independent charities that support people living with low vision and blindness in Cambridgeshire. They offer home visits, practical help, advice and emotional support to help retain as much independence as possible. They provide a range of services including benefit support, equipment and accessibility, emotional support and counselling, peer support groups, and volunteer befriending.
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is a national charity that supports people with sight loss by providing practical advice, emotional support, information and accessible services. They campaign to improve accessibility, equality and opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across the UK. RNIB also offers resources such as technology support, employment advice, reading services and information about living independently with sight loss.
Deafblindness
Deafblindness is a combination of sight and hearing loss that affects your ability to communicate, access information and get around. It is sometimes known as dual sensory loss.
Visit your GP if you think your hearing and/or eyesight may be getting worse.
Further information and support on deafblindness
If the combination of your sight and hearing loss is affecting your day-to-day life, you may want more information.
Deafblind UK provides information, advice and support to deafblind people, their family and carers. They have a free information helpline and provide peer support and befriending services.
Sensory Services
We support adults with sight loss and deafblindness to live independently
Sensory Services provides specialist support for adults aged 18 and over who are living with sight loss or dual sensory loss (deafblindness) in Cambridgeshire.
Our qualified Vision Rehabilitation Specialists work with people to develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to live fulfilling lives.
We keep a register of people in Cambridgeshire who are certified sight impaired, severely sight impaired or deafblind.
What we help with
We offer specialist assessment, rehabilitation and practical support to help people:
- move around safely both indoors and outdoors
- maintain independence at home
- develop daily living and personal care skills
- use technology and accessible equipment
- improve communication skills
- access community activities and social opportunities
- understand benefits, concessions and available support
- adapt to changes in sight or dual sensory loss
- build confidence and maintain wellbeing
- access our partner agencies
Who can use the service
You may be eligible if you:
- are aged 18 or over
- live in Cambridgeshire
- have a diagnosed sight impairment or dual sensory loss (deafblindness)
You do not need to be registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired to receive support from us.
Our approach
Our service is person-centred and focused on prevention. We help people to maintain independence and reduce the need for ongoing care and support wherever possible.
Vision rehabilitation is not a one-off intervention. You can come back to us in the future if your circumstances change and you require further support.
