Sight loss

Your sight may have deteriorated gradually as part of a long-term health issue or your sight loss may have happened suddenly.

The RNIB have a lot of information about sight loss.

Get advice from an optician as soon as you start to experience changes to your sight, however small.

If you already have sight loss it's important to look out for signs that your hearing is being affected. Visit your GP if you have any concerns.

Dorset Blind Association and Bournemouth Blind Society are local organisations that offer advice and support to those with sight loss.

RNIB has a free telephone counselling service for people who have lost or are losing their sight.

Hearing loss

Hearing loss often develops with age and can happen over time although sometimes it can occur suddenly.

As soon as you notice any problems with your hearing you should see your GP.

NHS Choices has information about the symptoms and treatment of hearing loss.

If you already have a hearing problem it's important to look out for signs that your sight is being affected. Visit your GP if you have any concerns.

Action on Hearing Loss provides further information and advice about living with hearing loss.

Deafblind

People are considered deafblind if their combined sight and hearing impairment causes difficulty with:

• communication
• mobility
• access to information

Visit your GP if you think your hearing and/or eyesight may be changing. It's important to get advice as soon as possible as treatment for some underlying causes of deafblindness can be more effective if started early.

NHS Choices and DeafblindUK have further information about deafblindness.

Equipment to help

Equipment is available to help you carry out daily tasks.

Action on Hearing Loss has advice about equipment to help if you have hearing loss.

Libraries

Our libraries offer audiobooks and e-books.

Sight and hearing centres

In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, sight and hearing centres are run by local charities. No appointment is needed; just drop in for a chat about your needs, get advice and try out equipment.

Home visit sight and hearing tests

If you struggle to get out of the house and need a sight test or hearing test in your own home, we have information in our service provider directory.

Support groups

You may want to go to a support group to talk to others with sight and hearing loss.