Living with Low Vision: Tips and Strategies for Everyday Life
Living with low or poor vision can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to mean an end to your daily activities. With an estimated 1.5% of Singaporeans ⁽ ¹ ⁾ living with low vision, it’s crucial to find new ways to adapt and maintain your independence.
Here are some helpful tips and advice for those living with low vision, as well as some suggestions for your caregivers.
Tips for Everyday Life with Low Vision
Eating with Low Vision
Eating with low or bad vision can be made easier by adopting a few simple strategies:
- Use the “clock face” method to locate food on your plate. For example, imagine your plate as a clock face and place different food items at specific hour positions.
- Choose non-slip placemats so that accidents are less likely to occur.
- Opt for colourful plates and bowls that contrast with your food, to make it easier to see what you’re eating.
Organising Common Used Items
Keeping your home organised can make everyday tasks much more manageable for those with visual challenges:
- Keep frequently used items in designated locations.
- Establish a consistent organisation system with your family and caregivers.
- Label items with large, clear text or use tactile markers to help you identify them more easily.
Managing Medications
Proper medication management is essential for those with low vision. It also helps these individuals to maintain their health:
- Use pillboxes to organise your medicines, with different compartments for each day of the week or different times of day.
- Opt for containers with varying sizes and shapes for different types of pills.
- Establish a consistent medication identification system with your family and caregivers.
Getting Around / Transport
Maintaining mobility and independence is important for people with low vision:
- Make use of systematic scanning strategies to avoid obstacles by moving both your eyes and neck muscles to maximise your visual range.
- Plan your routes and familiarise yourself with public transport schedules and accessibility features.
- Consider using a white cane or a guide dog to help you navigate your surroundings more safely and confidently.
References:
- [1] SNEC Low Vision Service. Singapore National Eye Centre. Available at https://www.snec.com.sg/patient-care/specialties-and-services/clinics-centres/snec-low-vision-service. Accessed on 24 May 2023.