Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions on our freephone helpline. If you do not find the answer to your question here, please use the "how can we help you" search box at the top of this page to search our website or contact us directly .

Our publication 'Getting On' also contains lots of useful information and contact details for visually impaired people, their families and friends.

Getting On 2009 - colour version (460 KB)
Getting On 2009 - black and white version (532 KB)
Getting On 2009 - Word version (116 KB)
Getting On Audio Downloads

1. I would like to apply for a grant from Action for Blind People. Could you please send me a form?

Action's grants scheme closed at the end of March 2007. We are developing a new grants scheme, which will focus on holidays and assistive technology. Contact us to leave your details and we will send information about the new scheme when it is launched. Meanwhile we can advise you on other sources of funding.

2. How can I check what money or benefits I am entitled to?

E-mail benefit.check@actionforblindpeople.org.uk for a benefits check by one of our Welfare Rights Officers. The benefits which you might be entitled to are summarised in the 'Money' section of our booklet 'Getting On'.

3. How do I get registered as partially sighted?

Ask your GP or optician to refer you to a consultant ophthalmologist. If your sight cannot be improved medically, and depending on your degree of sight loss, the consultant will tell you if you are eligible for registration as 'sight impaired/partially sighted' or as 'severely sight impaired/blind'. More information is given in the 'What to do first' section of our booklet 'Getting On'.

4. Can I get a discount on public transport?

Discounts on bus travel vary across the country. Contact your local council to find out what is available in your area. If you are a permanent resident in a London borough, the Freedom Pass enables you to travel free on all London's public transport, provided you are aged 60 or over, or are blind or partially sighted, or have certain other disabilities. For information on how to apply, go to the Freedom Pass website

You can get a Disabled Persons Railcard, entitling you to discounts on most rail ticket prices, if you are registered blind (severely sight impaired) or partially sighted (sight impaired). Fill in the application form, which you can get from your local station, and apply by post with payment and proof of your registration. When you buy a ticket, it is worth asking if your railcard will give you the cheapest fare for your journey, as some advance tickets may be better value.

5. My relative is blind and hasn’t been on holiday for several years. Are there any holidays or hotels specially for visually impaired people?

Action for Blind People has hotels in Weston super Mare, Teignmouth, Aldwick and Windermere. We also have a fact sheet giving details of other organisations and services you can contact. Find out more about our holidays at Vision Hotels

6. My sight is deteriorating and I am having difficulties coping at work. What should I do?

The Government’s Access to Work scheme can provide you with practical support, including access technology equipment, support workers and fares to work. Contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for details, or visit Job Centre Plus website . If there is an Action Team covering your area, they will also be able to provide support and advice. Check to see if there is a team near you: Contact your local Action for Blind People Team

7. I am living in unsuitable housing and no-one seems able to help me. What can I do?

Action for Blind People's booklet, 'It's your move', gives information on the options available to you, and who to contact. Download Housing Publications

In some areas of the country we have specialist Housing Co-ordinators who can help you through the process. Check to see if there is one near you: Contact your local Action for Blind People Team

8. My child has been diagnosed with an eye condition. What services are available to help him/her?

The 'Children and parents' section of our booklet 'Getting On' gives details of several organisations that provide support, tells you about books for visually impaired children, education, Actionnaires out of school clubs, toys and games, and benefits for children.

Action for Blind People also runs multi-sports clubs for visually impaired children and their families. Have a look to see if there is a club in your area

9. I have been told I have the following eye condition....... How can I find out more about it?

Our website has information about the main eye conditions .

Alternatively, the following organisations also have useful information.

Macular degeneration. Contact the Macular Disease Society, tel. 0845 241 2041 or visit their website www.maculardisease.org

Retinitis Pigmentosa. Contact the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society, tel. 0845 123 2354 or visit their website www.brps.org.uk

Glaucoma. Contact the International Glaucoma Association, tel. 01233 64 81 70

Cataracts. Straightforward information on all the above and on many other eye conditions is available on the RNIB’s website: Information on Cataracts

10. I feel I'm being discriminated against because of my visual impairment. What should I do?

You may be able to take legal action under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995. You can contact us through the RNIB Helpline by calling 0303 123 9999 for advice on disability discrimination and human rights, as well as other legal issues.

11. Is there a mobile phone designed for visually impaired people?

The RNIB has a factsheet on accessible mobile phones: Mobile phones for Visually Impaired People