EYECAN – Take Another Hard Look
This page aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by visually impaired road users and highlight the importance of making roads safer and more accessible for everyone. Many individuals navigate daily obstacles that can impact their safety and independence. By understanding these issues, road users can play a role in creating a more inclusive and considerate environment.
Navigating the road network requires awareness and responsibility from all users – pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Visually impaired pedestrians are among the most vulnerable and rely on others to act with caution and consideration for their safety.
Sight loss isn’t always visible. While some people use guide dogs or white canes, many do not, making their impairment less obvious. Adjusting to sight loss is often a long emotional journey, and it can take years before someone feels comfortable using a cane. However, showing courtesy to all pedestrians helps create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.
Types of Sight Loss
There are many types of sight loss, but we would like to raise awareness of three in particular.
Central Vision Loss
This is the most common type of sight loss, where individuals are unable to see what is directly in front of them but can still perceive objects to the sides.
If you are walking toward someone with this type of vision loss, they likely won’t see you until the last moment. Similarly, they may not notice obstacles in their path until it is almost too late.
Tunnel Vision
People with this type of sight loss may only see what is directly in front of them and may not be able to perceive objects to the sides, above, or below.
They also have very poor night vision. Those with tunnel vision are unlikely to notice anything approaching from the sides and will struggle even more in low-light or night time conditions.
Blurred or Patchy Vision
This is the most common type of sight loss, where individuals are unable to see what is directly in front of them but can still perceive objects to the sides.
If you are walking toward someone with this type of vision loss, they likely won’t see you until the last moment. Similarly, they may not notice obstacles in their path until it is almost too late.
How You Can Help
- Motorists: Take extra care when approaching pedestrian areas and junctions. The person trying to cross may have sight loss and may not see you easily. Additionally, electric vehicles, which are very quiet, may go unnoticed by those with combined sight and hearing loss.
- Cyclists: Cycling on pavements and pedestrian precincts is only permitted where signage explicitly allows it. Furthermore, most ‘No Entry’ signs apply to cyclists as well. Even when cycling in designated areas, it is important to be mindful that some pedestrians may not see or hear you approaching. Moving at excessive speeds or unexpectedly manoeuvring around individuals with sight impairments –some of whom may also have hearing loss – can startle them and potentially lead to injury.
- Pedestrians: The white lines along the centre of King Street serve as guidance for individuals with sight loss. Avoid obstructing these lines, and be mindful that if someone does not step aside, it may be due to a visual impairment rather than a lack of courtesy.
- Businesses: Frequent changes in the placement of sandwich boards can create unforeseen obstacles for individuals with sight impairments, increasing the risk of collisions. Additionally, scaffolding should be clearly marked with high-visibility indicators to ensure it remains noticeable and does not pose a hazard.
Living with Sight Loss
Michael – Living with Tunnel Vision
Michael has tunnel vision, meaning he can only see what is directly in front of him while everything in his peripheral vision is lost. This significantly affects his ability to detect approaching vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians from the sides. In this video, Michael shares his experiences navigating the road network and the challenges of moving safely in environments designed for those with full field vision.
Barbara – Living with Central Vision
Barbara experiences central vision loss, making it difficult for her to see objects directly in front of her, recognise faces, or read signs. While she retains some peripheral vision, crossing roads, identifying approaching vehicles, and navigating unfamiliar areas remain significant challenges. In this video, Barbara explains how her condition affects her ability to navigate and how greater awareness from pedestrians can help improve safety and accessibility for individuals such as her.
Jenny – Living with Light Perception Vision
Jenny has light perception vision, meaning she can only detect the presence or absence of light but cannot see shapes, colours, or movement. Without the ability to visually assess her surroundings, she relies on sound and her guide dog to navigate safely. In this video, Jenny discusses the difficulties of crossing roads and how other road users can contribute to a safer environment for individuals with severe sight loss.