Covid life for blind Scots is ‘more difficult’

SOCIAL distancing and life during the Covid-19 lockdown are “more difficult” for people with sight loss, according to blindness charities.

The largest survey of people with partial sight loss and blindness carried out in Scotland during the coronavirus pandemic has revealed the difficulties facing those with visual impairments.

Research by Sight Scotland is working alongside Sight Scotland Veterans to support more people with sight loss as social restrictions have been ramped up across Scotland.

The charities’ commitment follows the estimate that the number of blind and partially sighted people will rise by 30,000 in the next decade to 200,000, with someone in Scotland starting to lose their sight every hour.

In a survey of 404 visually impaired people in August and September this year, Sight Scotland found two thirds thought lockdown was an easier experience for those who are fully sighted.

Kirin Saeed, 50, a Braille proof reader at the Scottish Braille Press in Edinburgh, lost her sight entirely aged 11.

She said: “When lockdown happened my life crumbled, and when it was eased it took a lot of courage for me to go back out. Social distancing can be impossible when you can’t judge what’s around you.

“The only people I will see now are the people who I work with or the carers who come into my house.

“I know the restrictions are needed, but people need to recognise it’s hard for people with visual impairment as we rely on touch, contact and human connection.”

Mark O’donnell, chief executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “Today, we are excited to be launching our new charity names and vision so that we can play our part in supporting even more people living with sight loss in Scotland.”