Kitchen basics: guidance for people with sight loss
Being able to prepare our own meals and drinks is a big part of staying independent - but for people living with sight loss, the kitchen can sometimes feel like a challenging place.
The good news? With the right techniques, tools and a bit of organisation, cooking can be safe, enjoyable and confidence‑boosting.
On this page, we share practical tips and key considerations to help make the kitchen a more accessible and empowering space.
Getting started
Before looking at specialist equipment, let’s start with the basics that will support you with any task you take on in the kitchen:
Larger tools and clear labelling can make items easier to see and handle. Consider a bigger chopping board in a contrasting colour to your worktop.
Using contrasting colours can significantly improve visibility. For example, brightly coloured knife handles may help if you have low vision.
Good lighting can make all the difference. A well-placed task lamp over preparation areas will reduce shadows and improve clarity.
The more clutter you have, the more chance of accidents. Clear your worktop before you begin and use bowls to separate ingredients as you prepare them.
Always close kitchen cupboards after use, and anything else you could injure yourself on - drawers, dishwasher, oven door - and ask others to do the same.
Specialist kitchen equipment
There is a wide range of accessible kitchen equipment available from organisations such as Cobolt Systems and the RNIB. These can provide reassurance and improve accuracy and safety when cooking. Examples of specialist items include:
-
Talking kitchen scales
-
Talking thermometers
-
Talking timers
-
Liquid level indicators
-
Large-print or high-contrast measuring tools
Using what you already have
However, specialist equipment isn’t always essential. Many everyday household items can be adapted to support independence in the kitchen including:
Use cups and glasses that you already know the volume of for measuring liquids.
Use elastic bands to distinguish between tins or packets.
Set timers using your smartphone or smart speaker.
Use a sturdy pair of tongs for confidence when handling hot food.
Using an air fryer can have significant advantages in terms of safety.
Use good-quality oven gloves to improve safety.
Sharing your kitchen
While others should be mindful of your sight loss, it can be helpful to agree on practical arrangements in advance, such as having a specific drawer, cupboard, or section of worktop that is kept organised according to your preferences.
Clear agreements about always returning items to their correct place and promptly removing any potential hazards, such as sharp objects or spills, can help reduce frustration and create a more predictable, accessible environment for everyone.
Lighting and reflections
Lighting is particularly important for many people with sight loss. In addition to under-cupboard lighting and task lamps, consider:
Avoid glare from glossy surfaces. Be aware that glass panels and shiny worktops can reflect light into your eyes, reducing usable vision. Adjusting lighting angles or using matte finishes where possible can reduce discomfort and improve clarity.
Next steps
Confidence in the kitchen builds over time. There are many practical strategies developed through lived experience. If you are struggling with a particular kitchen task, you’re unlikely to be the first person to encounter that difficulty.
For advice and kitchen equipment, contact RNIB and Cobolt Systems Ltd.
Blind Veterans UK beneficiaries can get in touch with our Member Support Hub for advice and support, or contact their community team.
Read more about sight loss
Cooking appliances for people with sight loss
15 Apr 2026
Tips for choosing kitchen appliances that are safe, practical and easy to use.
Magnification options for low vision
21 Apr 2026
The different types of magnifiers and how best to use them.
Stepping out confidently with sight loss
21 Apr 2026
The tools to help you get out and about safely and independently.
Sign up for email updates
We would love to keep you updated about our activities, services and ways to support us.
You can change your contact preferences at any time by calling us on 0300 111 2233 or emailing us. See our privacy policy for more details.