Posts

Independent Travel

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The biggest barrier that is faced by many people living with sight loss is finding a way to travel confidently and independently after diagnosis. This often feels like one of the most overwhelming adjustments to make. Whether travelling with a cane, guide dog or no mobility aid at all, independent travel can look quite different depending on comfort levels and route confidence. For some, it is about slowly rebuilding trust in familiar routes, while for others it may involve learning new techniques or relying on different forms of support to feel safe and in control.   What can help Sunflower lanyard Although not the first thing many would think of when being diagnosed with a visual impairment (it definitely wasn’t for me), it can be a great way to easily signify to people that you may need extra support or understanding (which is something I have come to really appreciate). I have found that wearing a sunflower lanyard adds a layer of reassurance, knowing that I do not have...
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National Volunteer Week

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Since this week marks National Volunteer Week, I thought I would take the time to take a minute and explain what Volunteering for Retina UK means to me. Just to start off, volunteering isn't something that just has a one way return. I find that when I spend time helping others in the community  Now let's move onto what volunteering means to me...  The reason that I decided to volunteer for Retina UK is that I am passionate about supporting others and contributing positively to my community.  I believe volunteering is an important way to make a difference, whether that is through offering practical help, emotional support, or simply giving my time to people who may need it. I find it incredibly rewarding to know that my efforts can have a positive impact on someone’s day or help contribute towards a larger cause. Volunteering has also helped me grow personally by building my confidence, communication skills, and ability to work with a wide range of people. It has given me ...
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The Difficult Part (Bonus Feature)

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Building confidence with a hidden disability can feel especially challenging because so much of the struggle is internal and unseen. Confidence here isn’t about “fixing” yourself; it’s about learning to trust your own experience, even when others don’t fully understand it. Here are some practical, compassionate ways to start building that confidence:   1. Redefine What Confidence Means for You Confidence doesn’t have to mean being fearless or outspoken all the time. It can look like: Asking for what you need without apology Using accessibility tools without guilt Trusting your limits instead of pushing past them Confidence with a hidden disability is often quiet, steady self-trust—not loud certainty.   2. Challenge the “I’m Not Disabled Enough” Thought That thought is incredibly common—and incredibly misleading. Try reframing it: Do not tell yourself – “ I ’ m not struggling enough to need help ” Instead you should try – “ If something makes my life...
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The Difficult Part

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There’s a quiet, complicated feeling that doesn’t get talked about enough in the disability community: Imposter syndrome. It’s that nagging voice that whispers, “You’re not disabled enough.”  Particularly, when you live with a visual impairment, that isn’t immediately obvious to others, the tension that this brings can become a constant companion. Living in Two Worlds Visual impairment often exists in a grey area that other people struggle to understand. You might not be completely blind, yet your vision doesn’t function in the way society assumes it should. You might read – but only with screen magnification or enlarged font.  You might navigate independently – but not without careful planning, fatigue, or risk. From the outside, people fill in the gaps with assumptions… “You seem fine.” “Can’t you just wear stronger glasses?” “ You managed yesterday – why not today?” And slowly, those external doubts begin to echo internally. You start to question your own experience...
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Navigation

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Have you ever wished that there were tools out there that could make your life easier, when navigating the big scary world with a visual impairment. Although at times, technology can be scary too, it is can also be a great tool for independent navigation. When living with a visual impairment, navigating the world safely and independently can be a big challenge. Everyday tasks like crossing a busy road, finding a building entrance, or using public transport will often require additional support or strategies. The fast technological advances in navigational tools and assistive technology have changed the way that those with a visual impairment can experience the world.   Navigational tools that have changed the game WeWalk smart cane – Not only does this long white cane help you to detect obstacles on the floor that may trip you over. But it also has a sensor in the handle that can detect objects that may hit you in the face.   Understanding the Challenges The firs...
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Life, Identity and Community

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When first being diagnosed with a visual impairment, coming to terms with it and understanding the impact it can have is difficult. Everything feels uncertain. Not in a dramatic, movie-scene kind of way. It’s quieter than that. More constant. It shows up in everyday moments: Reading a menu, Crossing a road, Recognising faces. Things you never expect to have to think twice about suddenly required effort, planning, and sometimes courage. Sometimes the worst part isn’t just the way that if effects the practical side of things, sometimes it’s the way it slowly shifts how you see yourself. What I did not expect, though, was how much connection would come to define this journey.   The Shift From “Me” to “We” At the beginning, it felt isolating. I knew there were other people going through similar things, but that didn’t automatically make it easier. In some ways, it made it harder. It was difficult to explain my experience to people who had been living with visual impairment...
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Getting active with a visual impairment

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There are many advantages that come with getting active, whether you have a visual impairment or not. It plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Regular exercise not only boosts your physical fitness but also enhances happiness and confidence. It helps build strength, independence, and resilience. Activity can also reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality. The focus should never be on competition, but rather on feeling good and developing a sense of control over your life.   Physical benefits Exercise offers a wide range of physical benefits. It can strengthen your muscles, heart, and bones, making everyday activities easier to manage. Coordination, balance, and posture improvements come naturally with regular movement Increased mobility Reducing the risk of falls. With more energy for daily life, you’ll feel more capable and resilient. Strength and balance training, in particular, are key to protecting your body from injury and maintaining independen...
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