Common misconceptions about vision impairment

Not necessarily, it's believed around 93% of people who have a vision impairment still have some useful vision. 

Eye conditions affect individuals differently. Even if your child has the same condition as someone else, it doesn't mean it will affect them in the same way. There can be variables such as other health and eye conditions or disabilities. The rate of deterioration may vary for people with degenerative eye conditions, environmental factors and other circumstances. It's still good to speak with other parents whose children have the same condition, but remember all eye conditions are unique to each individual.

Many factors can impact how your child appears to see the world around them. Tiredness and stress can often reduce your child's ability to focus; different types of lighting can make seeing more difficult, and some eye conditions cause vision to fluctuate. A QTVI (qualified teacher of children with a visual impairment) or Habilitation Specialist who teach children with a vision impairment to move around as safely, efficiently and independently as possible, can help find out more about your child's eye condition.

This may be true for some eye conditions; however, for others, bright lights can cause increased blurriness, glare and even pain, especially for children with photophobia (aversion to bright light). It's important to find out how your child's eye condition is affected by light to help them to use their vision effectively.

Some children benefit from wearing dark or tinted glasses as it helps reduce glare and the effects of bright light, but not for all eye conditions.

Not everyone with a vision impairment uses a guide dog. Some use a long white stick, known as a cane, others may use a sighted guide, and some people can get around safely without a mobility aid. Habilitation Specialists (qualified teacher of children with a visual impairment) can help assess if your child would benefit from support. 

Many people who own a guide dog still have some vision. You don't have to be certified as sight impaired. If you feel your child might benefit from a guide dog call us on 0800 781 1444 to find out more.

It's estimated that around only 1% of people with vision impairment read braille. This is usually because many people are still able to read print, but they might have to use a different font or text size to read the information. Many other assistive technology options can help too. A qualified teacher of children with a visual impairment can help assess how to adapt reading materials for your child. You can also access services such as CustomEyes Books that has a large selection of books which can be adapted to suit your child's need. Or our assistive technology grants for children can provide you with all the options available.

64% of children or young people with vision impairment aged five to 16 go to mainstream schools. Adaptations can be made to your child's learning environment, including low vision aids and assistive technology. You can discuss your child's options with a qualified teacher of children with a visual impairment or one of our Education Specialists. 

All universities have a student support team specialising in vision or sensory loss who can help support your child at university. If they have been assessed as a 'critical' need, they can apply for the disabled student allowance to cover costs of support and equipment. Find out more and speak to one of our Education Specialists. 

Having a vision impairment shouldn't prevent your child from performing everyday tasks. Children are taught to use their other senses, aids, and technology to help them. A Habilitation Specialist (teach children and young people with a vision impairment to move around as safely, efficiently and independently as possible) can work with your child to help develop independent living skills. 

Although your child may not be able to drive, they can access other modes of transport, such as buses and trains.

Your local council provides bus passes for people with a vision impairment, and a disabled person's railcard is available for discounted train travel. Habilitation Specialists (teach children and young people with a vision impairment to move around as safely, efficiently and independently as possible). Travel Trainers, and Mobility Instructors can work with your child to help them travel independently by teaching them to use mobility aids and orientation skills. For example, how to use a cane, cross roads and use public transport safely.

There are Passenger Assistance Services available at train stations and airports to support people getting on/off trains and planes. Many buses and local tram services are introducing audio announcements to let people know their stop.

Changes in technology mean that there are several 'satellite navigation' devices and apps which are designed for people with a vision impairment to help them navigate when travelling independently. Speak to a Habilitation Specialist, Mobility Instructor or Access Technology Expert for further information.

Your child can access computers using assistive technology. If they have enough vision to read large print, they can use a screen magnification programme. If not, they can use a screen reader which converts text to speech. Many people with an eye condition learn to touch type, and this can help when using assistive technology. To find out more speak to an Access Technology Service.

Having carer is often down to choice or other factors such as additional or complex needs.

Most jobs are open to people with vision impairment. Government schemes such as 'Access to Work' help fund any adaptations or assistive technology your child may require to help them in their job.