Stepping out confidently with sight loss
Getting out and about safely and independently is a key priority for many people living with sight loss - and there are a range of tools available to help.
On this page, we look at what to choose for your needs and lifestyle, and what else to consider while you’re on the move.
Foundational mobility tools
The white cane
The white cane remains one of the most effective and widely used mobility aids for people with sight loss, offering two important benefits:
- Tactile feedback: It helps detect obstacles, changes in surface level, and hazards, supporting safe and independent travel.
- Visibility to others: It signals to members of the public that the user has a visual impairment, encouraging awareness and assistance when needed.
White canes are available in different styles, including long canes, symbol canes, folding canes and support canes. Choosing the right type depends on individual mobility needs and training.
Read our guide The different types of white cane
Smart canes
For those who feel confident with the basic cane and are interested in enhanced navigation support, there are a growing number of technology-based solutions available.
Smart canes
Some smart canes now incorporate:
- GPS navigation
- Object recognition using AI
- Smartphone connectivity
- Audio and tactile feedback
These devices often pair with a smartphone app and can provide spoken directions, obstacle alerts, and location tracking.
Find out more about smart canes at WeWALK
Wearable navigation devices
Emerging wearable technologies offer hands-free navigation support.
These may include:
- Camera-based systems with AI object recognition
- Devices that provide vibration cues or spoken guidance
- Tactile feedback systems worn on the body
Glide
One example currently in development is Glide, a two-wheeled mobility device designed to steer users around obstacles and guide them to selected destinations using sensors and artificial intelligence.
Navigation cues
There are also experimental systems that provide navigation cues through vibrating shoe inserts, offering discreet directional feedback through the feet.
How to use
While these technologies are promising, they can be complex and may require training and smartphone integration. They should be seen as complementary to - not replacements for - core mobility skills.
A word about guide dogs
For some people, once they can navigate confidently with a white cane, they may find that a guide dog is a helpful next step. A guide dog works in partnership with their handler and can help speed up navigation and obstacle avoidance.
However, guide dogs are not for everyone and there are strict criteria for applying for one, as well as a long application process. Recipients need to have core mobility and life skills before they apply.
Visit Guide Dogs for more information.
Increasing visibility
In addition to a cane, it can be wise to wear items that clearly indicate your sight loss to others. These simple measures can make navigating public spaces less stressful and may encourage others to provide appropriate assistance. Examples include:
Just wearing something as simple as a badge can be enough to help make other people aware of your vision impairment, especially in a small space such as a pub or community hall.
A high-visibility vest can make all the difference when it comes to standing out, especially on roads or busy areas. You can buy vests designed specifically for people with sight loss.
Lanyards that indicate sight loss or disability can be especially helpful in places like airports, stations or large venues where staff are trained to recognise them and offer support.
Essential mobility principles
Building confidence when you’re out and about takes time, practise and - where possible - professional training from a qualified mobility specialist. Regardless of the equipment used, the fundamentals of safe travel remain the same:
Be aware as you can be of what's going on around you - avoid blocking out sounds with headphones.
Make the most of whatever vision you have - consider sunglasses, a peaked cap or a torch to improve contrast or reduce glare.
Let others know your intentions when crossing roads or moving through busy areas.
Make sure you're confident of your route before you set off and try to travel at quieter times whenever possible.
It’s always okay to stop, gather your thoughts and re-orientate yourself.
Choose distinctive features (a specific shopfront, a unique fence, a textured pavement area) to support orientation.
Next steps
For further guidance on mobility training or equipment options, please visit RNIB.
Blind Veterans UK beneficiaries should get in touch with the Member Support Hub or contact their community team.
"Making yourself visible to others and planning ahead carefully will help improve your confidence and safety, particularly in busy public environments."
Find out more about sight loss
Outdoor lighting for people with low vision
16 Apr 2026
Choosing and positioning outdoor lighting to reduce glare and make obstacles easier to spot.
So you're thinking of getting smart glasses?
15 Apr 2026
How the emerging assistive technology can help people with sight loss.
Choosing the right sunglasses for low vision
12 Aug 2025
Protecting your eyes from the sun for people with sight loss.
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.