Until it clicks: our research on tech and sight loss

Last year we asked people living with sight loss what they need from tech, and from us, in 2026 and beyond.

Our independent study with nfpResearch shows how, for a person with sight loss, tech can boost the everyday. Tech means homework aced, family recipes cooked, bedtime stories read. But the power of tech runs so much deeper. Time and again, people who took part talked about how it can unlock belief, confidence, better mental health, and brighter tomorrows. On the flipside, when they couldn’t access or use tech as they wanted, people talked about feeling frustrated—inadequate even.

Read the full research

How people with sight loss use tech

People with sight loss rely on a mix tech, often using different tools for different needs. Smartphones, tablets and smart speakers are widely embedded in daily life. Meanwhile, traditional tech like radios remain a mainstay for older people. The audio that is now built into so much of our technology is central to the lives of people with sight loss and interviewees told us tech enables everyday routines.

At the same time, people frequently viewed emerging tech, such as smart glasses, as potentially life-changing but financially out of reach for most, and cost was repeatedly cited as a barrier.

The mental health impact of tech

Beyond its practical use, technology plays a crucial emotional role for people living with sight loss. Participants in the research repeatedly described audio and accessible technology as supporting their mental wellbeing, confidence and  independence.

Interviewees spoke about how voice-enabled devices reduce loneliness, particularly for older people who may be less mobile or less socially connected.

Demographic differences in attitudes and tech choices

While audio and assistive technology is widely valued, experiences differ significantly by age, level of sight loss, and familiarity with digital tools. Younger participants in the research and those with congenital or severe sight loss were more likely to use audio functions built into mainstream technology, such as smartphones, tablets and smart speakers. In contrast, older audiences were more likely to rely on traditional devices such as radios.

The role of tech for children and families

Families supporting children with sight loss often described navigating a fragmented and confusing system. Unlike adults, who may already have established coping strategies, parents are frequently left without clear guidance on what technology is available or how to access it.

Without clear signposting or coordinated support, parents are often left to piece together information for themselves, relying on personal research, informal networks, or word of mouth. This can delay access to the tools and training that can help children build confidence and independence from an early age.

How people experience training and support

The experiences from parents touched upon a consistent theme across all age groups-access to technology is, in many cases, simply not enough without training and support to use it.

Only a third of respondents said they had received professional guidance in using audio or assistive technology. Accessing support was most common among those with severe sight loss or no useful vision, with many relying on informal assistance from family members or friends. Where training is available, it is often seen as limited, generic, or delayed.

Conclusion: getting the best from tech

Technology is more deeply embedded than ever in the lives of people with sight loss. When people can properly access tech, it unlocks practical benefits, greater independence and emotional wellbeing. Yet, the benefits of expanding technology are not felt everywhere. Barriers related to cost, inaccessible design and limited training continue to exclude many, particularly older people, families and those without support networks. This research speaks to the need for more person-led support to help people currently struggling to overcome the barriers that stop them from reaping the benefits of tech in their day-to-day lives.

Ultimately, the needs, emotional drivers and financial pain points of those who participated are diverse-highlighting the case for person-centred interventions and support.

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