Help with a Visual Impairment
Visual Impairment Service
If problems with your vision are affecting your ability to do things at home, work or school, the Visual Impairment Service may be able to offer help and advice. They provide information, advice and practical support to people who are experiencing sight loss. A general assessment of needs could lead to:
- Information and help with your benefits
- Information and advice on the benefits of registering blind or partially sighted
- Equipment to help with independence, such as talking watches/clocks, symbol canes, kitchen appliances
- Arranging travel cards, access to talking books and other support services
They can also provide:
- Rehabilitation training by qualified staff to increase mobility, daily living and communication skills
- Carry out a functional assessment of your vision to get the best possible use from your sight
For more information on this service, please contact one of the two main offices during office hours.
If you live in the G44, G46, G76, G77 contact:
- Tel: 0141 577 4000
- Textphone: 0141 586 6158
- Address: 50 - 60 Busby Road, Clarkston G76
If you live in the G78 area contact:
- Tel: 0141 577 8400
- Textphone: 0141 587 5064
- Address: 211 Main Street, Barrhead G78 1XE
Out of office hours, contact the social work standby service on 0800 811505
East Renfrewshire Library and Information Services
Your local library is committed to providing equal access for all. They provide a range of services to help people who are blind and visually impaired, deaf and hearing impaired and people with Dyslexia.
Mearns Community Library also have a small pilot collection of audio described films on CD.
Advice and support on the phone
Action for Blind People 0800 915 4666
free, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Impartial information, advice and support on all issues connected with sight loss to blind and partially sighted people, their families, friends and carers and to professionals and service providers
Advice and support online
Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) Scotland
Provides information for both adults and children on a variety of aspects like visual impairment ,learning disability,education and family services. They also have a youth forum.
