By Daniel Morgan-Williams, Founding Director of Visualise Training and Consultancy
One of the most common things I hear from employers is: “Well, his vision doesn’t seem that bad.” And while I understand where that’s coming from, it highlights a widespread misunderstanding: visual impairment is a spectrum.
Unlike a broken leg or a bandaged arm, vision loss doesn’t always come with obvious signs. You may not see a white cane or a guide dog, and the person may not be bumping into tables or squinting into the abyss. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling.
I’ve conducted over a thousand workplace assessments for employees with visual impairments. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: **just because someone doesn’t look like they’re having difficulty doesn’t mean they aren’t**. Many people learn to mask their challenges, either out of embarrassment, fear of being treated differently, or simply not wanting to ‘make a fuss’.
The reality is, people experience vision loss in very different ways. One person may struggle in bright sunlight, while another may struggle in dim lighting or at night. Some may experience central vision loss, while others may have peripheral vision loss. There’s no one-size-fits-all. And how someone presents at 10 am on a sunny Tuesday in the office may be very different from how they function on a rainy evening in a dimly lit corridor.
Moreover, many people downplay their difficulties. I often get called in for what’s described as a ‘minor issue’ — trouble reading the screen, for example — only to find that, underneath that, they’re navigating significant daily challenges. They’ve just kept it quiet, fearing they’ll be judged, or worse, pushed out.
This is why workplace assessments are so critical. They create a safe space for people to open up and share their thoughts. Time and time again, I’ve seen someone start a session talking about one minor frustration, only to reveal a host of issues they’ve been silently coping with by the end of it. And the thing is — they’re not ‘being dramatic’. They’re just finally being honest because someone has finally asked the right questions.
So if you’re an employer and someone discloses a visual impairment — or even if they don’t, but something feels off — please don’t assume all is well because they’re not walking into walls. Ask, listen, and refer for an assessment. You’ll be amazed at the difference proper support can make.
Because no, you can’t see what they see. But with a bit of curiosity and compassion, you can start to understand it.
To find out more or make a referral, visit https://visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/workplace-assessments