Living Independently: Smart Ideas to Help Blind People
Firstly, know that most blind people are fine with the term ‘blind’ or ‘low vision’. But they don’t ‘vision-impaired’. People with 10% or less vision are classed as legally blind anyway in most countries.
BlindSquare is a self-voicing GPS app that helps people get around safely, and also details points of interest (and useful places like post offices and libraries).
Be My Eyes is a popular app which (unusually) has more volunteers than recipients. You sign up, then any blind person worldwide can send a message, asking you to ‘be their eyes’. You can read recipes, decipher colours or read instructions.
The idea was started by Danish furniture craftsman Hans Jørgen Wiberg (who does not have full vision). Within 24 hours of launch, the app had over 10,000 users.
- Blind person’s allowance is added to your yearly allowance. Also register for benefits, if you care for someone who is blind or partially sighted.
- You can claim discounts on on your TV license. But one of England’s most bonkers laws, is that you get a ‘discount’ if your TV is black-and-white. Blind people can’t see it, so why on earth is this not free?
- Relay is a free app to help people who have difficulty using the phone. Also register with BT Protected Services Scheme, so they can contact you if you forget to pay, to avoid cutting off your line.
- BT Home Essentials offers cheaper calls and broadband (ask about BT Priority Repair and free BT directory enquiries).
- Royal Mail offers free postage (national and international) of books, printed materials, audio/electronic media and mobility aids. Also benefit from free digital radio loans.
Free Books for Blind Adults and Children
Listening Books is a charity that lends out books to anyone with sight problems. For around £20 a year, the books include Wild City, about our urban wildlife (listen to a sample online).
Living Paintings offers touch-to-see books for children & adults. Everything is dispatched for free through RNIB’s Articles for the Blind program.
Screen Eyes is a supplement to prevent age-related macular degeneration, sold in a tin with sustainable refills. One 90-year old reviewer took this daily for 14 months after being monitored for possible glaucoma. A recent eye check-up found that one eye could read 3 rows lower than a year before.
Before taking supplements, check with GP if pregnant/nursing or you have medical conditions. Keep away from young children & pets.
Dr.Vegan (sustainable supplement for eye health)
Dr.Vegan Screen Eyes is a quality supplement, the first order is sold in a refillable metal tin, then you just order refills in eco-pouches thereafter. You can buy once, or get a free pill tin, then subscribe for bigger savings.
Designed to support healthy vision, this contains lutein, bilberry, vitamin B2 and many other essential nutrients for good eyesight. Recommended by opticians.
Take 2 capsules daily, morning or evening. Can be taken with or without food.
Always check with your GP before taking supplements if on medication (also for women if pregnant or nursing). Keep them away from children and pets, and recycle unused supplements and medicines at pharmacies (never flush them down the loo).
What does this supplement help?
- Vitamin B2 and zinc are good for eye health.
- Other ingredients help form macular pigment in the back of eyes, for good long-term vision.
- Bilberry is an antioxidant, to protect against free radicals. It also helps tired eyes and supports retinal function.
