There is help available if you have sight loss, a visual impairment or blindness.
Registering as sight impaired or blind
It may be helpful to register as sight impaired, partially sighted or blind with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), if your vision is:
- starting to impact on your everyday life
- can not be fully corrected by glasses or contact lenses
The RNIB website tells you what you need to do to register.
The Council will be told when you join. This helps us to provide you with advice and support, including:
- staying safe at home
- help with walking and preventing falls
- getting out and about and staying active
You should also tell your doctor as soon as possible.
BID Services
BID Services is a charity which works in partnership with people with sensory impairments including visual impairment.
BID provides a range of specialist support services to help you live independently and make your own choices with the right support. They can help with:
- equipment you can use in your home
- rehabilitation including mobility training and basic living skills
- information and guidance on a range of topics including benefits and housing
You can find out more and contact BID Services by:
- visiting the www.bid.org.uk website
- emailing solihullsupport@bid.org.uk
- calling 0121 387 5359
Community Advice Hubs
Visiting your local Community Advice Hub could put you in contact with the best support and activities to help you live with the loss of vision. The hubs also offer support to you if you are carer.
There are two hubs in Solihull run in partnership with Age UK:
When things become difficult
Solihull Council can provide care and support for people experiencing sensory loss. This includes those who are living with sight loss.
If you are finding it very difficult to live safely at home and are concerned, you can contact the Solihull adult social care team to request an assessment.
The assessment will take place in your own home or wherever is most convenient for you. Alternatively, you can complete an assessment online or visit your local hub for support to complete your assessment.