For people with low vision, sport and physical activity can be “an effective catalyst ensuring a healthier and happier lifestyle”, says the charity British Blind Sport (BBS) (BBS, 2016). Sport can also provide many opportunities for those with low vision, from local competitions to international events such as the Paralympic Games.

Given the many benefits that sport can bring, it is important to encourage people who are visually impaired to get involved in sport and physical activity. Optometrists can help by offering support, advice and information to their patients.

Many different eye conditions can cause low vision, but the most common causes are macular degeneration, which causes a loss of central vision; cataract, which causes blurred or cloudy vision; diabetic retinopathy, which results in floaters and blurred vision; and glaucoma, which causes a loss of peripheral vision (BBS, 2016).