Vision therapy and low vision: making the most of the sight you have

What "low vision" means

Low vision means sight that can't be corrected to a normal level with ordinary glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery, and makes everyday tasks hard. It can follow conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, or damage to the eye or brain, and it can affect people of any age. Very few people with low vision see nothing at all. [R22]

How we can help

• A low-vision assessment: how you see, and what you want to be able to do again.
• Magnifiers and telescopes: hand-held, stand and electronic.
• Lighting and contrast: brighter, better-placed light and bold, high-contrast markings at home.
• Smartphone and computer settings: larger text, spoken text and magnification.
• Training: practical techniques for reading, writing, cooking and moving around safely.

Small changes at home that help

• Use bright light aimed at your task, without glare.
• Mark switches, steps and edges with bright tape.
• Use plain, solid-coloured backgrounds and reduce clutter.
• Label medicines and everyday items in large print.
• Keep things in the same place every time.

Vision therapy

Vision therapy is a programme of guided exercises for certain problems with how the eyes focus and work together — for example difficulty keeping the eyes aligned for close work. It is prescribed only after a full examination, and progress is checked at regular visits.