Updated 08/01/2020
Blindness affects roughly two million people in the UK alone, with around 360,000 people registered as blind or partially sighted.
It is a condition that not only affects your sight but also your mind and mental well-being. The NHS say that being told you have a visual impairment which can’t be treated can be difficult to come to terms with.
The NHS Choices website says: “Some people go through a process similar to bereavement, where they experience a range of emotions including shock, anger, and denial, before eventually coming to accept their condition.”
Facts about Blindness
We’ve made a useful little infographic on blindness and it’s potential causes so you’re aware. This includes Glaucoma and Cataracts – both significant risks to otherwise healthy eyesight.
How to help
It may be that a friend or loved one has recently lost their vision and you’re wondering how you can help. Some tips we’ve got for helping someone suffering from blindness is as follows:
- Research – if your loved one has recently lost their vision, chances are they’re scared and confused. Sight is something nearly all of us take for granted, so to lose it unexpectedly is extremely difficult. We would recommend reading up on whatever condition caused the vision loss, and where possible familiarising yourself with the condition so you can understand their position and advise where possible.
- Find resources and support groups: There are many groups and sites dedicated to providing services for blind people. Some of these are directories, whilst some are downloadable apps. There’s even an app called Be My Eyes which enables sighted volunteers to connect with people suffering from visual impairment via video chat to assist them with everyday tasks they might otherwise find difficult.
- Be patient: Your loved one is going through a really tough time. It may be their instinct to lash out, or even to push you away. Be patient, and be there for them; they’ll appreciate it when they’re ready to come to terms with blindness.
VAT Exemption
Don’t forget that Blindness qualifies you for VAT Exemption when you order a personal alarm system from LifeConnect24. HMRC state that a product which has been “designed or adapted for a disability” qualifies for VAT exemption.
For more information regarding our life-saving personal alarm service please get in touch. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 999 0400. Alternatively you can send an email to info@lifeconnect24.co.uk or you can complete our contact us form and we will respond as soon as possible.
For further details and information about Blindness please see our useful guide.
