Low Vision Awareness Month

In the world of vision impairment, it is exciting to have the whole month of February celebrated as Low Vision Awareness Month! This month is dedicated to raising awareness of the causes of low vision, as well as highlighting ways to support people with low vision. 

When a person has low vision, it means their sight cannot be corrected from glasses, contacts or surgery. Low vision can be caused by conditions such as Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, as well as neurological issues. A common misconception is that sight loss primarily affects older people, while the reality is that a person can be impacted at any age. 

Having a rare neurological eye condition myself (known as Hemianopia) I know and recognise the challenges sight loss can bring. However, the use of advanced technology and adapting to the low vision I have left has made me realise I can still go about my day-to-day life; just with some extra help – and that’s okay!  

At first yes, it was really hard to get used to my new ‘normal’ because having lived with full vision for nearly twenty-two years, that was all I was used to. However, two years later, living with approximately twenty five percent sight is who I am and will continue to be grateful to celebrate everything that people with low vision are capable of! 

Going from having vision to being vision impaired can be scary, but with magnifying glasses, devices such as smartphone, and accessibility aids, there are many ways to help people continue activities they love. With the right support, it’s very possible to continue living an independent and fulfilling life.  If you or someone you know needs support, contact Visibility Scotland today:

Email: info@nullvisibilityscotland.org.uk

Tel: 0141 332 4632.