In the first instance, you should make an appointment at an optician for an eye test. They will be able to provide information on the reason for your sight problems and refer you to the hospital eye service if required. To find an optician near you, visit here
If your eyesight is impacting on daily tasks, causing social isolation or affecting your ability to use technology, you should contact Seescape for support, advice and assessment. You can find out how to contact Seescape here.
Whilst Seescape holds the register of visual impairment on behalf of Fife Council and NHS Fife, registration as Sight Impaired (partially sighted) or Severely Sight Impaired (blind) can only be completed by a consultant Ophthalmologist. They will establish whether you meet the criteria and fill out the paperwork.
If you are not currently attending the hospital eye clinic (Ophthalmology Department), you will need to be referred in order to be considered for registration. The easiest way to be referred is via your Optician here.
Seescape can provide support, advice and aids such as magnifiers regardless of registration.
In order to qualify for free bus and rail travel you must be registered as either Sight Impaired or Severely Sight Impaired here.
If you are registered Severely Sight Impaired, you qualify for the free companion component on your travel pass.
You are also eligible if you are registered Sight Impaired and in receipt of Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment, or the enhanced rate of the personal care component of disability benefits such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment Scotland (ADP).
For more information on benefits please visit the Social Security Scotland website here.
Individuals who are registered Severely Sight Impaired qualify to apply for a Blue Badge.
If you are Sight Impaired, you will need to meet other criteria. For more information visit here.
No – but if you are registered Severely Sight Impaired you can apply for a 50% reduction in your TV License. You can find out more here.
To apply for the discount, you will need a certificate of registration which Seescape can provide if you have been assessed as Severely Sight Impaired by an ophthalmologist. You can find information about registering here.
Being registered as Sight impaired or Severely Sight Impaired is a recognised disability and therefore you are entitled to apply for disability benefits including Adult Disability Payment Scotland or Pension Age Disability payment. Information on these benefits can be found here.
You may also be entitled to an increase in your Tax Allowance which can be arranged by contacting HMRC.
Seescape offers rehabilitation and training, provision of assistive aids, demonstrations, training and advice on accessible technology, social activities, and visual impairment awareness. You can find more about our services here.
Yes – Seescape offer home visits from our Sight Support team, Accessible Technology team and our Befriending service.
Yes – we offer appointments at our Glenrothes Hub for assessments from both our Sight Support team and Accessible Technology. To make an appointment please contact us by calling 01592 644 979 or completing our Referral Form here.
You can make an appointment by calling 01592 644 979 or completing our Referral Form here.
Many of the aids issued by Seescape are free of charge however, there are charges for accessible technology devices for which there may be an opportunity for funding or reduced price second-hand equipment.
You would need to have a mobility assessment with one of our Rehabilitation Specialists and undergo training. Please contact us if you would like an assessment here.
For information on how to apply for a Guide Dog you can visit the charity Guide Dog’s website here.
Yes, Seescape can absolutely help. We understand the unique challenges faced by individuals living with both dementia and sight loss, and we offer tailored support to meet their needs. Our team provides practical advice, emotional support, and access to specialist services that promote independence, safety, and wellbeing.
There are a range of specialist and mainstream technologies available which our expert team can provide demonstrations, advice and training on, including smartphones, tablets, computer software, electronic magnifiers, text-to-speech devices, smart speakers and more. To find out more please complete our Referral Form here.
Yes our team can provide ongoing support with your accessible technology needs. To find out more please complete our Referral Form here.
There are various sources of funding available to help with the purchase of accessible technology. Some of these are means tested or are dependent on registration or location. Seescape can support you to make an application for funding – please contact us for more details via the Referral Form here.
You can make a referral using our online referral form here.
Our waiting times vary depending on demand, however we prioritise cases in order of urgency. Although home visits are available, you may be seen sooner if you are able to attend an appointment at our Hub in Glenrothes.
We aim to make contact within 2 working days of receiving referrals.
Yes we accept referrals from anyone. You can access the referral form here.
Seescape receives funding from a variety of sources, however as a charity we are very dependent on donations and fundraising activities to help sustain our vital services. You can find out more about how to support us here.
We are always extremely grateful for donations, including one-off and regular donations. You can find out how to donate here.
Seescape would be delighted to welcome anyone wishing to become a volunteer. To find out how to become a volunteer, visit here.
Currently Seescape offer social groups in Cupar, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Glenrothes, as well as our Optimeyes group for people aged under 40. You can find out more about our social groups here.
To be added to the list for a befriender please contact Graham Ross on graham.ross@seescape.org.uk
You can find travel information for travelling by car or bus here.