TWO-thirds of blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland feel less independent now than before the coronavirus lockdown, a new survey has revealed.
Research also shows 80 per cent of respondents said the way they shop has changed since lockdown - with half as many blind and partially sighted people now visiting stores independently.
The survey by RNIB NI examined how access to groceries has been one of the biggest issue facing blind and partially sighted people since Covid-19 outbreak and implementation of lockdown.
It found 74 per cent of respondents were either very, or quite, concerned about getting access to food, while a fifth said they had had to ration food.
RNIB said it has received an average of over 100 calls a day from people highlighting problems accessing groceries, with the introduction of perspex screens, one-way layouts and new signage in supermarkets to enforce social distancing also having an impact.
With 56,500 blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland, RNIB have introduced new best practice guidelines for stores and staff to help blind and partially sighted people shop safely.
It has secured the support of SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO branded retailers and Musgrave NI.
The guidance advises staff to introduce themselves by name and offer help while socially distancing and suggests to delivery drivers to give clear and specific instructions.
Elaine Orwin, who has an eye condition called juvenile macular dystrophy, has praised the initiative.
"The main issue for blind and partially sighted people when shopping is observing the two-metre social distancing rule, and also getting support when they are in-store," she said.
"Obviously, people can’t guide you at the present time and this is difficult."
Dr Jacqueline Witherow from RNIB NI said: "Current social distancing rules make going to the supermarket incredibly difficult for many.
"Limitations on access to online shopping has meant that people with sight loss have been excluded from priority slots - putting thousands of people in an impossible situation.
"More and more people are turning more to their local stores and it’s brilliant that local stores have stepped up. This demonstrates the value of being part of your local community."
