In News

In the UK, it is thought that there are almost 2 million people living with sight loss, despite how many people are living with visual impairments, there is very little awareness about what facilities can help those with additional sight needs. Which is why there is a global initiative every year to help raise awareness of sight loss. World Blindness Month takes place every October, with World Sight Day taking place on the second Thursday of the month.

This year’s theme for World Sight Day on 10th October is Vision First and organisations are being encouraged all across the UK to get involved and help raise awareness.

According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People, only 17% of people experiencing sight loss feel that they are offered adequate emotional support, while only 27% of blind or partially sighted people are in employment and 35% of people reported experiencing negative attitudes from the public in relation to their sight loss. With this in mind, it is important to work together to create more positive experiences for blind and partially sighted people, particularly at tourist attractions, hotels and more.

World Sight Day is organised by the World Health Organisation and IAPB and aims to influence the government and members of the public to participate in and designate funds for national blindness prevention programmes. You can find out more about World Sight Day and the campaigns that are taking place for World Blindness Month by clicking here. https://www.iapb.org/advocacy/world-sight-day/

There are a number of ways that tourist destinations can help make life easier for those who are blind or partially sighted, such as including guides in braille, large print or as talking guides. Including features such as telephones with large buttons, adapted computers and brighter lighting as well as contrasting colours for the walls and floor will also help any guests with sight loss. Many people who are partially sighted or blind have guide dogs or canes to help them get around, so ensuring that your business is welcoming to assistance animals and has smooth surfaces will help accommodate those using sticks.  If you are concerned about your sight, there are a few things you can do to put your mind at rest. Your first port of call should be to book an eye exam, either through your GP or at one of the high street opticians. Sight loss is growing more common because of the world’s aging population, the most common conditions include myopia, cataracts and diabetic retnopathy. Sight loss from these conditions can be prevented or treated by catching them early, so make sure to keep up to date with your eye tests.

____

Sources

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/

http://bit.ly/2nPGzjb

https://www.iapb.org/advocacy/world-sight-day/

Related