Sight Atlas UK

Sight Atlas UK: a useful online resource for people living with sight loss

Finding clear and reliable information about sight loss can feel overwhelming, particularly following a new diagnosis or when you are trying to support somebody close to you.

Sight Atlas UK is a free, independent website that brings together information about eye conditions, practical advice, financial support, assistive technology and everyday life with sight loss.

Information about different eye conditions

Sight Atlas UK currently covers 25 eye conditions, including:

Each section explains the condition in accessible language and brings together information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, current research and sources of further support.

There is also a helpful “Just diagnosed?” section, which suggests some of the first steps people may wish to take following a diagnosis.

Practical help for everyday life

Sight loss affects much more than someone’s ability to see. It can influence confidence, independence, employment, relationships and the way everyday tasks are completed.

The website’s Everyday Guide shares practical ideas covering subjects such as:

Cooking safely and independently
Shopping and reading product labels
Travelling and getting around
Parenting with sight loss
Sport and physical activity
Personal care and grooming
Audiobooks and accessible entertainment
Looking after your emotional wellbeing

Many of the suggestions have been informed by the experiences of people living with sight conditions and focus on simple, realistic changes that can make daily life easier.

Technology and useful apps

Modern phones, tablets and computers include a growing range of accessibility features, but knowing what is available—or how to get started—can be difficult.

Sight Atlas UK introduces tools including screen readers, magnification, voice controls, text recognition and apps that can describe images or connect users with sighted assistance. It also explains how accessibility settings already built into smartphones can help people read information, recognise objects and use their devices more independently.

If you would like support using accessible technology, Galloways provides friendly, practical technology support for blind and partially sighted people. We can help you explore the features and equipment that may work best for you.

Benefits, employment and financial support

The website includes information about benefits and financial help that may be available to adults, children and families affected by sight loss. Its benefits calculator can provide an initial indication of the support someone may be entitled to.

The calculator is intended as a guide rather than a formal benefits assessment. We recommend seeking personalised advice before making an application.

Sight Atlas UK also provides guidance about employment, reasonable adjustments and Access to Work, helping people understand their rights and the support available to remain in or return to work.

Preparing for appointments and finding support

Medical appointments can be difficult to take in, particularly when someone is receiving unexpected or life-changing information. Sight Atlas UK offers suggested questions to ask an ophthalmologist, optometrist or Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, helping people prepare and make the most of their appointment.

Other resources include an eye-health glossary, information for parents, guidance about Eye Clinic Liaison Officers and a clinical trials finder.

Information online, personal support close to home

Online information can be an excellent starting point, but you do not have to work everything out by yourself.

Galloways supports blind and partially sighted people across Lancashire and Sefton. Our team can provide:

Sight loss advice and an individual assessment of your needs
Support following a diagnosis
Help to understand available benefits and services
Low vision assessments
Accessible technology support
Opportunities to meet others through groups, activities and social events
Practical information to help you live confidently and independently

Whether your sight has recently changed, you have been living with sight loss for some time, or you are supporting a family member, our team is here to listen and help you identify the next steps.

Explore Sight Atlas UK or contact Galloways to find out about support available in your local area.