_004.jpg?format=webp&width=3840&quality=75)
Discovering your child has a vision impairment can be a worrying and confusing time but we’re here to give emotional and practical support to you and your family.
We know that consistent and informed support for the whole family, including grandparents, brothers and sisters, is invaluable for parents of a child with a vision impairment – that's why our experienced experts have put together this information and advice.
Every year we help hundreds of families by listening to what they’re going through and working alongside them.
Whether your child has been diagnosed or not, we can help you if:
We understand that some families need more than practical advice and guidance, they also need emotional support. Call our specialist team for an empathetic ear and a space to talk.
To help you build your support network, we can put you in touch with other parents in similar circumstances through our monthly online peer support network. We can also help you meet other families through our family events.
For families who have recently gone through diagnosis, we also host an annual family weekend, where we run various supportive workshops and offer an opportunity for parents to meet, socialise and share experiences.
Another great resource that can help you through this challenging time is Starting Point. Starting Point is a leaflet that is designed to help families of children with vision impairment from the point of diagnosis and is given to families in eye clinics. It was first introduced in 2016 and developed collaboratively with charities in the sector and a range of eye health and sight loss professionals. The leaflet offers links to helpful resources, advice, and guidance, while encouraging the advantages of early action.
It also contains contact details for the support services available to help you and your family. These include:
If you are an eye health professional or are involved in the support of parents of children with vision impairment at the point of diagnosis, you can order hard copies in bulk for distribution to families from your service or clinic. Please contact information@guidedogs.org.uk with your request details.
Download the Starting Point leaflet for an introduction to the help and support available to you.
We offer practical and emotional support to you and your family during every step of your child's diagnosis of a vision impairment.
If you need further advice or would like to speak to an expert, you can call Guide Line from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.