1. Custom Gifts

If you are good friends, or it’s for someone you know very well, think of a simple, but unique item that would truly put a smile on their face. What are their interests, crafts, music, food, pets, sports? How about an ornament or keepsake with their name, cherished quote, or inside joke.

One thing to keep in mind when giving custom gifts to someone who’s blind or partially sighted, remember that they would appreciate something they could see or feel. If your gift is for someone who has low vision, make sure that the picture is clear, and the writing will be easy for them to read. Opt for large print with an easy-to-read font and high contrast colors.

When you’re giving to someone who’s totally blind, make sure that the gift isn’t something just visually appealing, but something that’s also tactile. For example, instead of a keychain with a picture of their favorite dog, it could be a keychain with that shape. If you can’t find a way to Braille something for a someone who’s Braille reader, you can have a single character or image engraved or embossed.

2. Traditional Treats

You can’t go wrong with traditional festive treats. Candy canes, gingerbread men, assorted chocolates, and all varieties of holiday cookies will delight.

Elevate these traditional treats with some extra thoughtful touches. If possible, find out what their preferences are beforehand. You can also take the time to label the goodies with Braille or large print. And whenever you’re dealing with food, be aware of allergies.

3. Tasty and “Tealightful”

Cozy beverages like teas, hot chocolates, and coffees would go well with delicious traditional sweets. It’s a wonderful treat to pull out a cherished favorite or try out new flavors all through the holiday season.

4. Sweet Scents

Whether it’s a peppermint scented candle for the Christmas season, or personal care products with their favorite scents, aroma therapy is wonderful. Everyone can always use pleasant smelling hand sanitizers and lotions to take along on the go. Soaps, bath products and essential oils are likewise pleasant stocking fillers.

For these gifts, it helps to know what kinds of scents they enjoy. Also, there are a few things to be mindful of with such gifts for someone who’s visually impaired. You may want to select more subtle scents. People with vision impairments rely on all their other senses and they may be sensitive to overpowering aromas.

Additionally, only give candles to someone who will be confident with them. Candles can be difficult to light or may pose a safety hazard for some people. If you know someone with sight loss that loves candles and can manage without a second thought, by all means, scented candles are warm and cozy gifts.

Essential oils are a great alternative to candles. They come in a wide variety and are versatile. You can mix them with Coconut oil and applied for skin and hair treatments, or as something that can be very relaxing. They can also be used with diffusers which can easily be turned on and off with buttons, unlike candles.

5. Merry & Bright

A handheld flashlight or handsfree headlamp would be a great stocking filler for someone who is visually impaired. Portable lights are useful for tasks that require extra lighting, for example sewing. They can also be very useful for someone who struggles at night or in dimly lit environments. It’s always great to have a couple of extra flashlights ready and available.

6. A Touching Gift

Tactile identifiers and markers are useful tools to include as stocking stuffers for people who have low vision or are blind. Bump dots come in different styles and sizes and can stick to buttons and appliances. They make it easier for someone with vision impairment to identify, for example, where the “Start” button is on their microwave. It’s convenient to always have them on hand for when there’s something new or when old ones lose their adhesive over time.

There are various kinds of markers to help someone who’s blind identify and match their clothing. Pocket Money Brailler for marking cash could also be very helpful. Find out what’s available from your local low vision center, enquire from your Services for the Blind, or search online for various tactile markers.

7. A Gift That Really Speaks

Small talking gadgets like a talking keychain watch or talking thermometers are helpful tools to include as stocking stuffers or gifts. A talking cooking thermometer is so useful for someone who relies on timing and temperature instead of how the food appears. Check out your local low vision center or go online to find nifty talking tools that come in so handy.

8.Fun in All Dimensions

For those who are sighted, the Rubix Cube is an iconic toy for party favor bags and holiday stockings. Did you know that there are tactile cubes and various 3D puzzles for those who rely on their sense of touch? Brain teasers and fidget toys are fun gifts for both puzzle lovers and creative minds.

9. Deck the Cards with Braille and Large Print

In addition to 3D puzzles, playing cards are accessible stocking fillers for a friend or a loved one who’s blind or partially sighted. This holiday season, why not create new memories with a family game of Uno, Crazy 8s, and Rummy?

10. Made with Love

Are you an artist or a crafter? Do you know someone who is? Whether it’s from you, or something you’ve commissioned from a friend, homemade gifts may just be the perfect something for your friend or loved one. A knitted beanie, a crocheted scarf, and handmade jewelry; what better way to make someone feel loved with something especially crafted for them. With these types of items, just be mindful of the guidelines we’ve specified. Gifts will be much appreciated when you’ve made an effort for them to be accessible. Make sure they are visible or tactile.

11. Thoughtful Tokens

Gift cards and subscriptions are awesome stocking fillers or big gifts for someone with sight loss. Gift cards for shops and restaurants would be great if they can be redeemed online. It may be easier for someone using a screen reader or magnification to access the online shop or order food, rather than struggling to get transportation to an actual place.

Subscriptions for treats or beverages like tea, coffee, and wine, would be most excellent as they are delivered to their door. Just be sure that their online shop or app is accessible for someone who’s using magnification or a screen reader. Some companies require patrons to create accounts for monthly selections.

In the same way, this rule also applies for digital content, like streaming services, podcasts, and audiobooks. You want to make sure that the digital content is accessible to your friend or loved one.

12. A Present for All Seasons

If you’re really looking for something completely accessible for your loved one, why not a RealSAM Pocket for Christmas? RealSAM Pockets are fully voice operated for anyone who’s struggling to use a conventional smartphone. The simple, “tap to talk” button allows them to make calls, manage contacts, and send messages by voice. With this gift they’ll be able to stay in touch all year round.

What’s more, with Pocket, they’ll also be able to stay connected with access to unlimited streaming for no additional subscription. Learn more about Pocket’s amazing accessibility by scheduling a demonstration or by visiting our Pocket’s page.

It’s the Thought that Counts

These are 12 ideas with tips and advice for giving amazing stocking fillers and gifts this Christmas. If you find these suggestions helpful, be sure to share. But remember, it’s the thought that really counts and your friends and loved ones will just love the fact that you thought of them.

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The post 2023 Gift Guide for Blind and Visually Impaired People appeared first on RealSAM USA.

Embracing retirement years comes with a unique set of adventures. But sometimes, our eyes need a little extra TLC to keep up with the journey. If you or a loved one notices changes in your vision, it’s time to pay attention to what your eyes may be going through. Here are 10 signs of age-related sight loss. Knowing what to be aware of can empower you to be proactive about your health and eye care.

1. Changes in Visual Acuity

Have you found yourself squinting at the morning paper or holding the latest novel closer than usual? It’s not just your imagination playing tricks. These may be early signs of age-related sight loss. It’s important to report changes to your doctor who could refer you for a complete eye check. Early attention could prevent further vision loss and other complications.

2. Increased Sensitivity to Light

Are bright lights causing you to squirm? Do you find yourself reaching for a pair of sunglasses more often? Have you decreased the brightness of screens and devices? Maybe you can’t stand looking at websites with a lot of white space or bright colors. If you’re experiencing these things, your eyes have developed light sensitivity or photophobia. Light sensitivity and glares can be symptoms of age-related eye conditions like glaucoma. The sooner you can pinpoint the cause, the sooner you can work with your doctor towards a treatment or a solution.

3. Altered Color Perception

The world is a vibrant canvas, but what if the colors start to blur? Have you noticed a subtle shift in the hues around you? Is it challenging to distinguish between certain colors? If you’re experiencing a general dimming of your color perception, don’t ignore the changes. These could be indicative of various eye conditions such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration. It’s a cue to check in with your doctor.

4. Difficulty Adjusting to Change

Is it becoming difficult to adjust from bright to dim environments and vice versa? It could be another sign that you’re experiencing age-related sight loss. Your vision may become blurry or hazy. Or you see spots that take time to clear as you transition from one type of lighting to another. There may be a developing eye condition that needs to be addressed.

5. Impaired Night Vision

Is it harder to navigate at night? If you’re finding yourself squinting and struggling to decern shapes and shadows, don’t blame it on a long day. It could be another sign of potential age-related sight loss. If left unchecked, there’s a greater risk of experiencing accidents, especially if you’re driving. It may also be disorienting to walk around. It’s vital to be aware of your sight at night. You want to avoid seemingly small trips and falls that are much harder for older individuals to recover from.

6. Frequent Prescription Adjustments

How many times have you had to change your prescription glasses in the past couple of years? While it’s great that you can get clearer vision with a new prescription, too many changes may be a sign that it’s time to consult with your doctor. There may be a an underlaying problem that hasn’t been detected. Or you may need to discuss a more lasting solution for better vision, like undergoing cataract removal surgery.

7. Reduced Peripheral Vision

Do you sometimes feel like you missed seeing something because you weren’t looking at it directly? This may be a sign that you’re experiencing reduced peripheral vision, or tunnel vision. Age related eye conditions like glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetes related retinopathy could cause tunnel vision. It’s vital that you get medical advice as soon as possible.

8. Eye Strain and Discomfort

Do you experience eye strain and discomfort? Maybe you feel tightness, pressure, and at times get headaches during or after visually demanding tasks like reading or working on the computer. Yes, it could just be inadequate lighting or focusing on something for too long, but it could also be a sign of age-related vision issues. Be sure to check in with your doctor.

9. Random Mishaps

Have you felt frustrated due to random mishaps you can’t explain? Bumping into furniture or people, knocking over a glass, taking a long time to find an item that was right in front of you, not recognizing someone, misreading a sign or a label, tripping, and missing steps… Don’t feel like you’re being careless or having a streak of bad luck. These occurrences may be because you’re experiencing changes to your vision.

10. Lights and Floaters

Do you sometimes see flashes of lights that aren’t really there? You may randomly see stars, sparks, and flashes of light.  Additionally, eye floaters are spots in your vision that could look like small specks, larger shadows, or even strings. These may be caused by age-related changes in different parts of your eyes. It’s important to note and report your experiences with your doctor or eye care specialist.

Don’t Panic and Don’t Lose Sight

Remember, this journey is about discovery and empowerment. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it may be sight loss or it may be altogether a completely different issue. Just be sure to consult with your doctor about issues and changes. This will help you make the most informed decision about your eye health. Sight loss or not, don’t lose sight—at this phase of life, you should be enjoying all the freedoms that come with your senior years. You’ve made it this far, don’t let any challenges stop you from being your best.

The post 10 Signs of Age-Related Sight Loss appeared first on RealSAM USA.