Smartwatches for people with sight loss
Convenient and comfortable, smartwatches are a type of wearable technology designed to support your everyday life.
On this page, we explore how smartwatches can be used as a supportive tool for people with sight loss to help promote independence.
What is a smartwatch?
A smartwatch is a type of wearable technology that usually acts as an extension of a smartphone.
Just as a smartphone is a compact computer that does more than make phone calls, a smartwatch is a smaller computer that does more than simply tell the time.
Despite this, a smartwatch is largely the same shape and size of a normal watch, if a little bigger, with a touchscreen interface.
How does it work?
Most smartwatches are used in addition to a smartphone. If you wish to use many of the features while out and about without the need of having a smartphone with you, you may need to buy a more expensive model and set up a contract with a mobile phone provider.
What can a smartwatch do?
Smartwatches have all kinds of helpful functions to make life easier. Here are just some of the things they can do:
You can set up reminders to do things like take your medication.
You can store you calendar dates and be reminded of what's coming up.
It has a map and audible navigation for when you're out and about.
It supports your health by tracking your heart rate, your sleep and counting your steps.
You can send and receive text messages via your smartwatch, and access your emails.
You can play your favourite tunes or podcasts and connect via Bluetooth to speakers.
You can even make contactless payments with the watch, as you would with a bank card.
"My smartwatch makes everything so much easier when I'm out, especially with the navigation, calendar and contactless payment features."
What are the benefits of a smartwatch for someone with sight loss?
The best thing about a smartwatch is that, as you wear it on your wrist you can’t lose it, and you will always have it to hand.
It’s possible to give the watch spoken commands, just like using the voice assistant on a smartphone.
Some smartwatches have a screen reader which reads aloud whatever is on the screen, like the name of the person calling.
Smartwatches, like smartphones, have an inbuilt zoom function so you can zoom in on any screen for better readability.
You can also adjust the size of text to make it easier to see and, with most brands, change the information on the screen to simplify it.
Some brands include a ‘speak time’ or ‘hear the time’ feature, which tells the time aloud whenever you want it to.
Many models include a haptic time function, subtly vibrating to tell you the time, which is useful if you can't hear it for any reason.
Some models include ‘fall detection’, so if you have a hard fall, it will give you the option of calling the emergency services.
Next steps
A smartwatch can be a handy gadget for someone with sight loss, providing quick and easy access to many useful built-in features.
There are various brands and models out there, so you need to shop around to make sure you get one that is right for you, and you feel comfortable using day-to-day. If possible, we’d always recommend trying to get an in-person demonstration before making a purchase.
For information on how specific smartwatch models can support people with sight loss, Guide Dogs has created a useful resource.
"Shop around before you buy as different smartwatch brands offer different features. As with a smartphone, it may take a little time to get used to your new device and learn how to make the most of it."
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