Low Vision Awareness Month: You’re Not Alone with Sight Loss

A man having an eye test with an optician using a trial frame during a vision check.

Low Vision Awareness Month is an important time to highlight the realities of sight loss, challenge misconceptions, and ensure people know that help is available.

Many people live with low vision without fully understanding what it means or realising that practical support can make everyday life easier. This awareness month is about understanding, inclusion, and empowerment.

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is the term used when sight loss cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. People with low vision often retain some usable sight but may need specialist support, equipment, or adjustments to manage daily activities.

Low vision affects everyone differently. Some people experience reduced central or peripheral vision, difficulty with contrast, glare, or problems seeing in low-light conditions.

Why Low Vision Awareness Month Matters

Low Vision Awareness Month encourages people to talk openly about sight loss and seek help sooner rather than later. Many people delay support because they believe nothing can be done — but this is rarely the case.

This month promotes:

Regular eye tests
Better understanding of sight loss
Challenging stereotypes around blindness and low vision
Awareness of practical and emotional support services

Living Well with Low Vision

With the right support, people with low vision can continue to live active and independent lives. Simple changes, specialist equipment, and emotional support can all make a meaningful difference.

How Galloways Can Help

At Galloways, we support people living with low vision to make the most of their remaining sight and maintain independence.

Our Community Sight Loss Advisors offer low vision assessments that focus on what matters most to you — whether that’s reading, using technology, preparing meals, or managing everyday tasks.

During an assessment, we explore practical solutions such as magnifiers, lighting improvements, contrast adaptations, and assistive technology. Our approach is person-centred and led by your individual needs.

Support doesn’t stop there. We also offer emotional support, rehabilitation, and guidance to help people rebuild confidence and stay connected to their communities.

Accessing Support from Galloways

You can be referred to Galloways through self-referral, opticians, hospital eye clinics, or other professionals. Once referred, a Community Sight Loss Advisor will contact you to arrange an assessment and discuss the support that’s right for you.

Low Vision Awareness Month is a reminder that sight loss should never be faced alone — and that help is available.