For some people, central vision is blurred or missing, making faces and printed text difficult to make out. For others, side vision is reduced, meaning they may bump into objects or miss things that appear to one side.
Some people experience patchy gaps in their vision. Others find bright light and glare overwhelming, or struggle to see in dim conditions. Contrast and depth perception can also be affected, making things like steps, kerbs or pouring a drink more difficult than they might appear.
What a person can see may also change depending on the lighting, the time of day or how tired they are.
Being blind does not always mean having no vision at all. Many blind people have some remaining vision, while others have little or none.
That is why awareness matters.
It means understanding that you cannot always tell when someone has a visual impairment. Not everyone uses a white cane or a guide dog, and someone may be able to read a message on their phone one moment but struggle to read a bus timetable or sign the next.
It means avoiding assumptions about what somebody can or cannot do.
And it means making information, technology, services and public spaces accessible from the outset, rather than as an afterthought.
Making that a reality is part of our work at The Partially Sighted Society. We support people to make the most of their remaining vision and maintain their independence through specialist low vision assessments, adaptive technology, practical advice, emotional support and social activities.
Understanding grows when people share their experiences. If you live with sight loss, or know someone who does, what is one thing you wish more people understood about sight loss? Tell us in the comments and help show just how varied sight loss can be.
Greater awareness leads to better understanding. Better understanding leads to a more accessible world.
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