Aids and resources
Try magnifiers, lighting and other everyday aids at home before you spend any money.
Find out what really works for you
The right magnifier, lamp or gadget can make a big difference to everyday life, but it is hard to know what will help until you try it. Our Try Before You Buy scheme lets you take products home, so you can be sure an item works for you before you spend any money.
We can also give you advice on where to buy the aids that suit you best.
Aids people often find useful
Everyone's sight is different. We will talk through what you find difficult and suggest things to try.
Magnifiers
Hand-held, stand and illuminated magnifiers for reading letters, labels, recipes and photographs.
Better lighting
Good task lighting can make reading, sewing and cooking much easier and safer.
Everyday gadgets
Talking and large-display clocks and watches, big-button phones, liquid level indicators and tactile markers.
Reading and listening
Large print, audio books and talking newspapers can help you keep up with the things you enjoy.
Phones and tablets
Simple settings can make text larger, read words aloud or let you speak to your device.
Around the home
Small changes, such as contrasting colours and clearer markings, can make your home easier to get around.
Three simple steps
1. Talk to us
Call us or send a message telling us what you are finding difficult.
2. Try it at home
We will suggest aids to borrow and show you how to use them.
3. Decide
Keep using what works for you. We can tell you where to buy it.
Looking for other organisations? See our useful links page.
Send us a message
Tell us what you are finding difficult, such as reading, cooking or getting about, and we will suggest some aids to try.
Useful Links
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Adult Social Care & Health
Services provided via East Sussex County Council.
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East Sussex Vision Care
A consortium of the three blind societies which operate in East Sussex. It is a registered charitable company that aims to improve the life chances of blind and partially sighted people in East Sussex through the strength of a unified voice.
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East Sussex Hearing Resource Centre
A registered charity aiming to improve the quality of life for deaf, deafened and deafblind people living in East Sussex.
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East Sussex Association of Blind and Partially Sighted People
Offering support and advice to people who are blind or partially sighted and living in parts of East Sussex not served by EBS and HRVAB.
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East Sussex Disability Association
Encouraging disabled people in East Sussex to achieve independence and control over their own lives.
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Age Concern Eastbourne
Providing services and activities for older people.
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Sovereign Polyphony
A group of enthusiastic ladies who meet regularly under the baton of Sue Barrett to rehearse music intended to entertain members of Eastbourne Blind Society and the general public.
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Action for Blind People (part of RNIB Group)
One of the largest charities in the UK providing confidential support for blind and partially sighted people in all aspects of their lives.
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RP Fighting Blindness
The primary objective is to find a cure for RP, a genetic disease of the eye which results in the deterioration of vision, and often complete blindness.
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Guide Dogs
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association work to deliver mobility and access services that meet the needs and aspirations of blind and partially-sighted people in the United Kingdom.
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International Glaucoma Association
The IGA is a patient-based organisation which works to prevent glaucoma blindness by providing information, literature and advice.
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The Macular Disease Society
The Macular Disease Society is a specialist charity for people affected by any form of macular disease or macular degeneration.
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The Nystagmus Network
A UK charity and support group run by individuals and families affected by nystagmus.
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Partially Sighted Society
Providing information, advice, equipment and clear print material for people with a visual impairment to help people to make the best use of their remaining sight.
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Royal National Institute of Blind People (part of RNIB Group)
Offering information, support and advice to with sight loss across the UK.
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SeeAbility
SeeAbility’s purpose is to encourage people who are blind or partially sighted and have other multiple disabilities to achieve their full potential and enhance their quality of life.
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Torch Trust
A Christian organisation with a worldwide vision for people with sight loss.
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Vocal Eyes
A nationwide audio description company for blind and partially sighted people providing access to the arts.