Support for the blind

SIR – In these unprecedented times, with huge demand on supermarkets, people who are blind are being forgotten.

Many are struggling to buy food and supplies because, due to social distancing measures, they can no longer access the guidance and assistance they need to shop in stores.

We understand why restrictions are necessary. However, they present an enormous practical challenge to someone who is blind as they try to navigate a store. To make the situation worse, people with sight loss are also excluded from the database for priority online shopping, which is something many have come to rely on.

Our organisations have received hundreds of reports from people who are distressed because they are simply unable to buy basic supplies. People with sight loss need priority access to online shopping and we call on the Government and supermarkets to act now. Tom Wright CEO, Guide Dogs Matt Stringer CEO, RNIB Charles Colquhoun CEO, Thomas Pocklington Trust Fiona Sandford CEO, Visionary Matt Broom CEO, Vision UK Cathy Low CEO, London Vision

SIR – The questionnaire which decides whether you are frail or elderly enough to qualify for a priority supermarket delivery slot is unhelpful.

I am 84 but do not have any of the problems listed, namely cancer or respiratory-related matters. But I do have chronic pain and mobility problems, and my wife had a stroke a year ago (although she has none of the problems listed). Fortunately, I have good neighbours – but I should not have to rely on them indefinitely. Professor M M R Williams Eastbourne, East Sussex