Cliff’s Sight Impairment Checklist

Living with sight loss can be challenging, but with the right tools and habits, life can still be rich, active, and enjoyable.
Here are some of my personal recommendations and tips that help me live independently and stay connected.

Recommended Technology

Google Pixel smartphone – Ideal for diary management, phone calls, emails, texts, audiobooks, and music. It links perfectly with hearing aids via Bluetooth.
Phonak 190 Spheric hearing aids – Connect easily to your TV and smartphone. Use them to listen to emails, labels, letters, and more. You can learn more about those here.

Useful Registrations & Benefits

A. Registered sight loss – slight or severe
B. Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
C. Disabled Person’s Railcard
D. Blue Badge (including hosepipe use)
E. Access Disability Card
F. Additional Assistance Allowance
G. Blind Person’s Tax Allowance
H. Membership of the Macular Society or other relevant organisation
I. Free magnifier every year from the NHS

Cliff’s Hints & Tips

Mark important items with bright orange tape.
Use your problem-solving brain more often – it’s one of your greatest tools.
Shop online wherever possible (Amazon is a great starting point).
Develop a new hobby or interest – it keeps the mind sharp.
Train your peripheral vision to make the most of what you can see.
Use a white stick and yellow-tinted glasses when out and about.
Go for a brisk walk regularly – aim for 8,800 steps a day using Google Fit and comfortable shoes.
Use a large-screen device linked to your laptop, especially with Gmail.
I personally take a Lutein & Zeaxanthin supplement (40 mg daily), but always check with your doctor or optician before starting any supplements.
Link your TV with your hearing aids for clearer sound.
Make use of accessibility features such as Select to Speak, Zoom, Screen Saver, and Triple Tap on your phone’s camera.
Improve lighting at home – use LED bulbs and upright lamps.
Choose LARGE-print games like Scrabble or playing cards.
Use cliffscards.com