Counselling services for people with sight loss

Experiencing changes to, or loss of vision can have a profound effect on one's mental health and wellbeing.

Adjusting to sight loss can be frustrating and overwhelming, so it’s common for people to experience feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and loss of independence.

Reach out for support

Some sight loss organisations offer specialised counselling services to help  individuals and their families to navigate the psychological impact.

We recommend the following services, which are confidential and bound by the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) ethical framework.

RNIB

Emotional support for blind and partially sighted people through the RNIB Sight Loss Counselling team, a group of professional telephone and online counsellors.

• a comprehensive sight loss counselling service.
• one-to-one telephone sessions, online counselling, and phone support groups.
• aims to reach a broad audience and cater to individual preferences.

Call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999, or via email, or contact the counselling team directly by leaving a message at 020 7391 2186 or emailing them.

The Macular Society

A charity counselling service for anyone affected by age-related macular sight loss, or a family member of someone living with a macular condition. 

• counselling over the phone
• tailored for individuals with severe vision impairment
• offers support to family members
• connects individuals to befriending programs and local support groups

Anyone can self-refer (or refer someone else with their permission) using the online counselling referral form or via their helpline on 0300 3030 111.

DeafBlind UK

A charity offering non-judgemental counselling for people who are deafblind by trained and experienced staff and volunteers.

• Six-week emotional support available to anyone who has sight and hearing loss, and their carers. They say:

  "Our six-week support service gives you the chance to talk through feelings, thoughts and emotions, rather than a general chat. It offers you the space, safety and warmth to talk openly and honestly with our trained advisors.

  "We understand that everyone’s situation is different, and everyone is facing different challenges. We will work with you through a six-week program which aims to help you to make sense of your feelings. This might be the start of a longer journey for you, or it might be a continuation of one you have already started.

  "At the end of the six-week program, we will agree a personalised ongoing plan to make sure that you are fully supported in the future."

Visit their website for more information, or call 0800 132320.

This information was correct at the time it was published. Please contact the relevant organisation directly if any details have changed.