Visual impairment support

What is a visual impairment? 

This happens when a person has trouble with: 

• sight (like being blind or having low vision)
• sight problems need to be permanent in both eyes
• or sight and hearing loss – sometimes called dual sensory loss or being deafblind. 

You might be born with a sensory impairment, or it may happen later in life. 

How we can help 

We can support you to: 

• stay safe and independent at home and outdoors
• keep doing the things you enjoy
• communicate more easily
• give you advice and support and refer you to suitable services. 

You do not need a care package to get help from our Visual Impairment Team. 

Equipment and support at home 

We can help with: 

• white canes or home safety advice
• demonstrate magnifiers and suitable lighting
• help with using your phone and other technology
• support you to make your home easier and safer to live in

Help from the visual impairment team 

Our team can: 

• visit your home to understand your needs
• provide training for indoor and outdoor mobility, kitchen and home tasks
• show how to use helpful equipment
• give advice if your sight or hearing is changing

We can also help with: 

• housing or benefit advice
• befriending and emotional support due to sight loss

Support with communication 

We can provide:

• easy-read or large print letters
• information in your preferred format
• advice for families and carers

Occupational Therapy (OT) 

If your sight or hearing loss makes daily life difficult, you may also be referred to an occupational therapist. 

OTs help you: 

• stay safe and independent at home 
• learn new ways to manage everyday tasks 
• use special equipment or make home changes
• stay mobile and confident in your daily routines 

OT support can be short-term or ongoing, depending on your needs. 

Learning and education 

We offer courses for people with sensory impairments. These can help you: 

• build confidence 
• learn new skills
• meet others with similar experiences 

Find out more about supported learning for people with sensory and physical impairments. 

Find out more about adult learning courses for people with physical and sensory needs. 

Help for carers 

If you support someone with sight or hearing loss, we can offer: 

• information and advice 
• training and emotional support
• help planning for the future 

How to get help 

You can: 

• ask your GP or health worker to refer you
• contact Lewisham Adult Social Care
• speak to the visual impairment team by calling Adult Social Care on 020 8314 7777 or emailing: gateway@lewisham.gov.uk
• visit our sensory support page 

Worried about someone’s safety? 

If you or someone you know is being hurt, treated badly or is not safe, please tell us. 

Report a safeguarding concern.

Need this in another format? 

We can provide this page in Easy Read, another language, or large print. Just email us or call us on 020 8314 7777.