Living with sight loss

Check the location on your appointment letter. Not every Oxford clinic is at the John Radcliffe. Take your glasses, a list of your medicines, the appointment details and a short list of questions. Tell the clinic in advance about any communication or access needs. If drops may be used, ask about transport and driving. Contact the appointment team if you cannot attend.

A low-vision assessment starts with what you want to do: reading post, hobbies, shopping or recognising faces. Magnifiers, electronic aids, lighting and changes to contrast can all help. At Oxford, bring your glasses, any magnifiers you already use and examples of the tasks you find hard. Optical aids can be loaned to you after the assessment.

Ask your eye team or ECLO whether certification is right for you. Certification by an eye specialist and registration with your local council are linked but separate steps, and the arrangements vary across the UK. A council or local sight-loss service can discuss rehabilitation and support with daily life. You can still ask for help if you are not eligible for registration.

A change in your sight can affect your confidence, your relationships and how you feel about the future. You do not have to wait until things feel overwhelming to talk to someone. An ECLO, an RNIB adviser or a local sight-loss charity can help you find practical and emotional support. Family and friends can ask how best to help.

Nothing on this site can tell you whether you are safe or legally able to drive. If a change in your sight affects your driving, stop and get advice from your eye-care professional. Check the official rules and whether you need to tell the licensing authority. The DVLA covers Great Britain and the DVA covers Northern Ireland. Do not drive after dilating drops until your vision meets the required standard and your clinician says you can.

Ask whether help would be welcome and how the person prefers to be supported. Do not pull someone by the arm or assume what they can see. Describe obstacles and changes of level. Guide Dogs offers sighted-guide training for friends, family, colleagues and anyone else who wants to offer confident, respectful support.