Visual Impairment

Overview

Visual impairment includes reduced vision that cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses and can range from partial sight to severe sight loss. It can affect orientation, confidence and the ability to complete everyday tasks safely, especially in environments with obstacles, glare or poor lighting.

RNIB (the UK sight loss charity) estimates that more than 2 million people are living with sight loss in the UK, severe enough to have a significant impact on daily life.

Toileting independence can be affected where individuals cannot clearly see the toilet, controls, hazards or hygiene areas, leading to safety risks, reduced confidence and increased reliance on carers.

Functional Toileting Challenges:

Difficulty locating the toilet and fixtures: Toilets are often white and against a light background would blend in, often bathrooms have poor or uneven lighting, hiding edges and creating glare, both which make a toilet harder to see clearly

Reduced ability to see hazards: Increased risk of trips, slips or collisions with doors, frames or poorly positioned equipment

Challenges using controls accurately: Small buttons, unclear symbols, reflective surfaces or touch panels can be difficult to operate reliably

Hygiene difficulties: Limited visibility can make it harder to confirm effective cleaning or detect soiling on skin/clothing, which increases the risk of irritation or infection

Reduced confidence and increased anxiety: Fear of accidents or falls may lead to avoidance, rushed toileting or increased dependence on carers

Navigation and transfer difficulties: Visual impairment can worsen balance and orientation when sitting down/standing up

Impacts:

Safety concerns

Higher risk of falls, slips, and injury in a high-risk room such as a bathroom

Reduced hygiene tasks

Increased likelihood of missed cleaning, clothing soiling or skin irritation

Loss of dignity

Greater dependence on others for guidance, reassurance or hands-on support.

Reduced independence

Avoidance of toileting can affect hydration, health and participation in daily life.

How our products help those with Visual Impairment

FEATURE	WHY IT HELPS
Palma Vita Wash and Dry Toilet	Provides improved hygiene, comfort and independence with integrated washing and drying functions, reducing the need for assistance and supporting accessibility.
Adult soft seat	Improve recognition and location of the toilet as blue seat option provides a strong, clean colour contrast against mainly white bathroom
Douche (standard)	Supports personal hygiene and cleanliness, helping users maintain independence and comfort during toileting.

Closomat wash and dry toilet in a modern bathroom with a teal wall

Priority specification

Foundational

The Closomat Palma Vita with soft seat

Sample specification wording

The individual has a visual impairment which affects their ability to safely locate the toilet and manage toileting routines independently.

A Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet will promote consistent, reliable hygiene and reduce the risk of infection or skin irritation that can result from inadequate wiping. By providing an effective wash and dry function, it can also reduce reliance on carer assistance, freeing up carer time to support the individual with other areas of daily living.

Supplying the unit with a high-contrast blue soft seat supports easier identification and positioning for individuals with visual impairment.

Final checks

Ensure whole layout of bathroom supports safe access

Review lighting levels - consider use of contrasting colours and good lighting

Download the specification

Wash and dry toilet specification for visual impairment, with the recommended features and clinical justification.

Download