Sight loss resources Daily living tips Adjusting to sight loss

Home adaptations for low vision

Published on 16 Nov 2023

Simple adaptations around the home can make all the difference for someone with sight loss, and there are lots of low-cost strategies that can help.

We’ve found that what works for one person may hinder another, so we’ve collated some of the most common techniques used by our veterans for you to consider.

Invest in good lighting

For someone with low vision, investing in good, controlled lighting can be key.

Reduce glare

Focus on reducing glare and keeping a good balanced lighting environment.

Task lamps

Task lamps can make all the difference and dimmer switches can make you more comfortable.

Day lighting

It may sound obvious, but keeping the lights on during the day is fine if it benefits your sight.

Use contrasting colours

Using contrasting colours to make things stand out from their background is another technique you can use to see objects more clearly, even if you can’t pick out the detail.
For example, try using a blue chopping board over a white one when slicing onions, or a white strip painted on the lip of a step. It really can make a huge difference.

Change the size

Make it bigger

Large print correspondence should be available for all your bills and statements and you might also benefit from a bigger TV or computer monitor, or simply sitting closer to the one you have.

Make it smaller

On the other hand, if you have peripheral sight loss, otherwise known as tunnel vision, you may need things to be smaller to fit in the small window of your functional vision. Do whatever works for you.

Organise yourself

As the saying goes, “A place for everything and everything in its place,” and this is never more relevant when you have sight loss. Put simply, if you can’t see well enough to search for an item then you need to know exactly where to find it.
Family, friends and carers take note and always check with someone with a sight loss before you move their things around. Even if it looks wrong to you, anything from their furniture and rugs to larger items may be landmarks to aid their orientation.

Consider smart home technology

Control home appliances

Smart home technology enables you to control home appliances such as lighting or heating through your smartphone or computer. It’s now widely available and can be a big help for people with sight loss.

Voice technology

With solutions like Amazon Alexa or Google Home you can use this technology simply by using your voice. For example, once programmed, you could turn on the heating simply by saying, “Alexa, turn the heating on.”

Access information

You can also set reminders, store shopping lists and access useful information through this technology, such as local bus times – all by using your voice.

Accessibility options

Also, many modern TVs and smartphones will have built-in ‘accessibility’ options such as large or high contrast print and spoken feedback. Read our guide on Watching TV with Low Vision.

"There are so many strategies and pieces of equipment that can help you around the home. The most important thing is to try different approaches to see what works best for you."

Bryan, Rehabilitation Officer at Blind Veterans UK

Other tips and tricks

Individualise items

Clothes pegs and elastic bands can be attached to items to individualise them. For example, try putting a band around the shampoo bottle so it doesn’t get mixed up with the shower gel.

Carry a thick pen

Keep a thick pen and lots of scrap paper for making large notes or lists.

Use blue tac

Blue tac can be used to mark specific controls, such as the temperature on a thermostat or a particular button on the remote.

Buy accessible gadgets

It’s always worth looking at options for more accessible gadgets like large-key keyboards or a larger remote control for your TV as these can really help.

Use a tray

Set everything you need for a task on a tray as this will help catch spillages or small items, and generally help keep the items you need together.

Use a bowl for meds

Try using a bowl to press tablets into so they don’t escape onto the floor. (Read our guide, Getting Ready for the Day for tips on washing, dressing and taking medication.)

Make use of all adaptations

And, finally, don’t forget to use the adaptations already in place. For example, the bump on the number 5 on your phone and TV remote is there to use as a point of reference.