By Dan Morgan-Williams, Founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy
When you’re living with a visual impairment, your working day can feel like an obstacle course. Tasks that colleagues complete without a second thought may take twice as long, not because of a lack of skill, but because the environment, tools, and processes aren’t designed with accessibility in mind. This is the reality for many employees before they undergo a visual impairment workplace assessment — and the transformation that follows can be life-changing.
Before a workplace assessment, many employees with sight loss rely heavily on coping strategies. They may increase screen magnification until only a few words fit on the monitor, lean closer to read printed materials, or spend hours manually reformatting documents to make them legible. Meetings might be challenging if presentations aren’t shared in advance or if there’s a reliance on small, low-contrast text. In open-plan offices, finding a desk with the proper lighting — or avoiding glare altogether — can be a daily battle.
These challenges aren’t just frustrating; they can impact productivity, confidence, and career progression. For some, it means working longer hours to keep up or avoiding specific tasks altogether, which can lead to feelings of exclusion and isolation.
The turning point comes when the employer recognises the need for a workplace assessment — whether prompted by the employee, a line manager, or occupational health.
A visual impairment workplace assessment is more than just a checklist of adjustments. It’s a collaborative process led by an expert who understands both the lived experience of sight loss and the practical realities of the job. During the assessment, the assessor observes tasks, discusses challenges with the employee, and reviews the work environment. They identify barriers and suggest tailored solutions — from specialist software and assistive technology to simple, low-cost changes.
For example, replacing a standard keyboard with a high-contrast version, introducing screen reader software, or positioning a workstation to avoid glare can have an immediate impact. Employers might implement structured training to help employees feel confident using new tools, or introduce processes such as providing digital copies of meeting materials in advance.
The difference after an assessment is often described as night and day. Tasks that once took an hour can now be completed in minutes. The employee’s confidence grows, and they can contribute fully without unnecessary strain.
Consider Sarah, a marketing coordinator with a degenerative eye condition. Before her assessment, she avoided working on design layouts because she couldn’t clearly see colour contrasts or fine detail. After the assessment, her employer provided magnification software, improved office lighting, and gave her training in using accessibility features within Adobe Creative Cloud. Now, she not only contributes to design work but has taken on a mentoring role for colleagues exploring accessibility in marketing materials.
The benefits aren’t limited to the employee. Employers see measurable gains in productivity, staff retention, and workplace morale. They also meet their obligations under the Equality Act 2010, avoiding potential legal risks. Perhaps most importantly, they foster an inclusive workplace culture where employees feel valued and supported.
A visual impairment workplace assessment is an investment in people — and the returns are significant. From practical adjustments to renewed confidence, it can transform not only the working day but also long-term career opportunities.
A workplace assessment is the first step in removing barriers, improving productivity, and ensuring compliance with your legal obligations. Our assessments are conducted by experts with firsthand experience of sight loss, offering tailored, practical recommendations that are effective in real-life settings.
Ready to Support Your Employee with a Visual Impairment? To find out more or make a referral, visit this pageÂ