Living with Sight Loss in Islington

Challenges, Support and Giving Back

Colin, one of the 4400 registered people living with sight loss in Islington shares his experience, “Every day is full of challenges. But the small actions of others, the connections I’ve made through volunteering, and my faith – all of these things give me the strength to tackle day-to-day life.”

He spoke with Age UK Islington about the things that are difficult, as well as the people, support and activities that make a meaningful difference in his daily life.

Navigating the pavements

Even just going out the front door can feel like stepping into an obstacle course. Pavements are unpredictable - bicycles left on the floor, cyclists cycling on the pavement and through the traffic lights, bin bags, advertising boards, uneven slabs, dog owners that don’t remove their dog’s business, overhanging hedges, puddles of water, which anyone without any vision loss can easily avoid by going round them. I must be aware of everything around me and be constantly on alert.

Getting out and about locally

On the buses, some drivers are very kind, lowering the ramp or step and giving time to find a seat. Others are rushed or distracted – pulling into a bus stop directly in front of a lamp-post or in front of bins. Passengers often don’t notice you, some absorbed in their phones, others in a hurry. You learn to adapt and pay attention to voices, footsteps and small details. This is how you stay safe.

Going further afield for appointments out of London

Getting to hospital appointments can be a bigger challenge. Letters sometimes don’t arrive, or appointments get mixed up. Getting to London hospitals is fine for me, but trips to other hospitals outside London such as to East Grinstead for eye operations, can be complicated.

The NHS provides patient transport, but it took a lot of co-ordination between the GP and the Integrated Care Board to work out how to arrange this and fund it. Healthwatch and then an Social Prescribing Link Worker based at my GP helped me with organising this as there wasn’t an existing process in place.

The digital world

Another thing that frustrates me a lot is when you go to the Council, the GP, hospitals, banks etc. and they tell you “Oh you need to do it online, or they say go to www……”  

It’s like the whole world went digital now, leaving some communities stranded. I feel the digital exclusion factor is being ignored even from those who are supposed to be there to support and advocate on behave of the frail and vulnerable.

Feeling isolated

As I cannot see from a distance, when people wave at me or nod there head as like they wish to say Hey or Good Morning, I don’t see them and perhaps they think that I am a cranky or strange person. But its surely not the case as I love talking and socialising and actually most of the times I feel very much isolated and lonely.

Places where I feel safe and welcomed

Having said that, even with these difficulties, there are places that feel safe and steady. Age UK events, The Outlook Centre up in Archway, University College Hospital chapel, for example, is warm and welcoming and I sometimes attend mass there. Sacred Heart Parish is another place of local connection. Faith doesn’t remove the challenges, but it gives quiet strength and a moment to pause, feel supported and in turn, help other people.

The sense of connectedness through my faith and helping others

Helping others has also been a big part of life. I’ve volunteered at Whittington Hospital for years, and during COVID I joined the Royal Volunteers Responders, I could shop early for other people. I would take my trolley and buy for four people at a time, delivering groceries and picking up medications to those who couldn’t go themselves. It gave me purpose and connection. Through this, I formed friendships, including a neighbour I met at church, who lived just four doors away.

Supporting a neighbour with health problems

My neighbour, Barbara, had multiple health problems including kidney disease, so had to do regular dialysis. Sometimes she needed help with appointments, letters, or getting home adaptations like ramps put in. I would advocate and chase things up, remind her of what consultants said and help coordinate with social services. Just being there, answering her calls and providing support made a real difference, giving her confidence and peace of mind.

Contributing my experience to committees

Alongside volunteering and helping neighbours, I contribute to committees and groups for visually impaired people. Being part of these allows me to share experiences, suggest improvements and make life easier for others in similar situations. It’s another way of giving back, helping to shape services, supporting the community and advocating for accessibility.

Small actions by others, my faith and connections make all the difference

Every day in Islington is a new adventure - you never know what the pavement or street will throw at you. But support is always there in different forms: caring bus drivers, hospital staff, link workers, volunteers, friends, neighbours. Faith, volunteering and helping others doesn’t overcome the difficulties, but they give an inner strength, a purpose in life. They remind you that even when life is difficult, you’re not facing it alone.

Useful contacts

The Horizon Group, for the visually impaired/blind. It meets on the first Tuesday of every month, from 6 to 8pm in the evening, at the Outlook Centre in Archway. Call them on 0203 316 1501.

The Whittington Hospital Volunteering department are always on the look out for new volunteers to help around the hospital, handing newspapers or books, to the patients on the ward, having a chat with patients, welcoming people at the entrance of the hospital, or doing some admin work. There is a big choice of services where volunteers can get involved. Call 0207 288 3936 or see the Whittington Hospital volunteering webpage.

The Sight Loss Council that delivers awareness to entities and organisations, such as councils, employees, hospitals, GP surgeries. If there are any visually impaired people that wish to make a difference in the community, please call Liam O’Carroll on: 0797 023 1583.

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