Help with sight (& other) problems  

Courtesy of RNIB - get more help on their Web Site www.rnib.org.uk 

An easy guide for pensioners

This page explains what RNIB can do for you and also suggests some other services which may be useful.

For further advice, support and information please call the RNIB Helpline on 0345-66 99 99 - (calls charged at local rate).

RNIB aims to help anybody experiencing sight problems, not just those who are blind. For example, if you have difficulty recognising friends or cannot read newspaper print using glasses, they can help you.

RNIB provides:

• products and equipment that can help you deal with the everyday difficulties that failing sight can cause
• information on sight conditions
• services which can increase your weekly income and help you get appropriate practical support such as home help or travel concessions
• services which can help you stay in your own home or which can offer support in finding suitable sheltered or residential accommodation
• services which help you get the most out of life, from holidays to gardening to Talking Books - the library in your own home!

Types of support available; How do I get this?

Your Finances

• Cash help specifically for older people.
  Through the benefits and tax systems.

Contact RNIB on 0345-66 99 99 or Action for Blind people on 020-7732 8771.

• Advice about grants for people in need.

Call 0345-66 99 99.

Day-to-day living

• Practical support in your home.
  Home helps, meals on wheels, transport, equipment and home adaptations.

Call your local council and ask for a community care assessment.

• Help with skills for day-to-day living.
  Getting around safely, coping with cooking, running your home.

Contact your local social services as ask for the Visual Impairment Team.

• Help with using low vision aids

Using the telephone

• Free directory enquiries
  Instead of paying you could get this service free of charge.

For directory enquiries phone 195 and ask for a pin number.

• Help with the cost of a telephone.
  Help varies from area to area.

Contact 0345-66 99 99.

Getting out and about

• Cheaper travel.
  Such as a free bus pass, taxi cards or access to Dial-a-Ride.

Contact your local council social services department.

• Free car parking in areas designated for disabled people (orange badge).
  The car does not need to be yours. Registered blind people can get an orange badge . Others with walking difficulties may qualify.

Contact your local council social services department.

• Other help with travel.
  Contact Tripscope (a travel helpline) on 0345-585641.

Your sight

• Help with the cost of sight tests.
  Free to registered blind and partially sighted people and some others.

For more details contact RNIB on 0345-66 99 99.

• Low vision aids and magnifiers.
  They make the best use of your remaining vision.

Contact your GP, eye hospital or local support group, or visit the Low Vision site for advice on using your vision, lighting and magnifiers. Alternatively, contact the RNIB Helpline for further information on 0345-66 99 99.

Your Health

• Yearly health Check.
  If you are over 75 you have the right to a yearly health check - at your GP's surgery or in your own home if you prefer.

Contact your GP

• Help with hearing loss or disability in addition to sight loss.

Call 0345-66 99 99 for sources of specialist help.

Quality of life

• Registration as blind or partially sighted.
  This is voluntary but does help you obtain certain benefits and concessions and also increase your access to services.

Contact your GP or talk to your eye specialist.

• Support from local and self-help groups.
  Access to a wide range of support from home visits, leisure and social activities to campaigning.

For information on local help call 0345-66 99 99.

• Protection from discrimination.
  You may have rights under the Disability Discrimination Act or other legislation.

Call 0345-66 99 99 for general advice.

• Noisy neighbours or neighbour problems.
  Support to resolve problems with neighbours.

Ask your local council for information about its noise complaints services or neighbour dispute services.

RNIB also provides a range of free leaflets giving practical help and advice for older people in a wide variety of areas. These include advice about shopping, adapting your home, NHS eye services, going on holiday, keeping safe, counselling, community care, financial benefits and your rights under the Disability Discrimination Act.

There are many other services which may be of help to you. To find out more, please contact us for advice, support and information on the RNIB Helpline, 0345-66 99 99 (calls charged at local rate).

For advice, support and information for anyone with a serious sight problem, please contact the RNIB Helpline on 0345-66 99 99 (calls charged at local rate).