Employment

Many people with a macular condition will be working when they receive a diagnosis. With the right support, adjustments in the workplace, and the correct equipment, you can continue to thrive in your job.  

You might need extra time to do things, new equipment, and better lighting. The support you need may change over time, depending on how your vision changes. Your employer has a legal duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help you keep working. These should be reviewed when your needs change.  

This page will help you understand: 

• Your legal rights in the workplace 
• How to speak to your employer 
• Support available when looking for work  
• Money and benefits 
• Where to get advice 
• Technology and equipment to help you 

Your rights in the workplace

A difficulty with your vision is considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This act details your rights in various areas, including employment. This means your employer must help you by making ‘reasonable adjustments’. They can include changes to your role, your working environment, and the things you use at work.

What works when you are first diagnosed might not help later if your sight gets worse. You should review these adjustments regularly to make sure they’re providing the right support. 

Reasonable adjustments your employer could make include: 

• Giving you large print text or access to screen readers or magnifiers 
• More time to complete work 
• Redesigning lighting in your working environment 
• Use of a helper 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Time off for appointments 
• Extra breaks 
• Access to software that can help 
• Changes to your work tasks 
• Extra training 
• Making sure use of machinery or driving is still safe 
• Changing what equipment you use 

You will not need to be registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired to get help from your employer.  

Telling your employer about your macular condition

The idea of telling your employer about your macular condition may fill you with anxiety. It’s normal to feel worried about disclosing health problems at work. It’s up to you to decide whether to tell them, how much detail to include and when to talk. However, your employer cannot help you if you decide not to say anything. Talking to them early can help you continue to succeed and access their support sooner.  

If your job involves using machinery, driving, or working in other potentially unsafe conditions, you must tell your employer. You can discuss health and safety issues and find ways to make sure you and your colleagues are not put in danger. 

Before you talk to your employer you may want to think about: 

• What you’re finding difficult 
• Ideas of what could help you in the workplace 
• Asking for an assessment from an occupational health service 

What can help me succeed in the workplace?

The government provides support to people who are working and have a disability. You can claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you are working, self-employed, unemployed, or looking for work. 

You can also apply for the Access to Work grant, which is designed to help people stay in work. 

This government scheme can help you pay for extra costs involved with: 

• Any special equipment you need for the workplace 
• Support workers 
• Assistive technology and equipment 

People who are self-employed or work part-time can also apply for these benefits.  

Helpful technology in the workplace 

There are lots of aids available to help you at work: 

• Screen readers and desktop video magnifiers 
• Magnifying devices and software 
• Speech-to-text and dictation software 

Find out more about the different equipment that’s available on our low vision aids guide.  

Finding a new job

Looking for work, whether you have a job already or not, is always a challenge. It can feel even more difficult if you are navigating recruitment with low vision. You can ask for support during the recruitment process, from potential employers or recruitment agencies.  

They can help you by: 

• Supplying information and application forms in large print 
• Giving extra time to complete any recruitment tests 
• Allowing online interviews 

Difficulties in the workplace

Having a visual disability can make working more difficult than for someone with average vision. You might feel tired, worried about making a mistake, and maybe even anxious about what the future will hold.  

Speak to your employer about the difficulties you are facing. You could ask for help with reducing your hours, a change in your role, or for extra support.  

If you are finding it hard to know how to talk to your employer or just need advice and support, give our helpline a call.  

Our helpline team is skilled at making recommendations about what to do when your eyesight is affecting your work. They will have good ideas and advice for you, so call us on 0300 3030 111.  

Driving and work

If you drive, you must tell the DVLA if your macular condition affects your vision. You must also tell your insurer, whether you drive for work or only for personal reasons. If you’re not sure about continuing to drive, check our guide to driving and speak with your eye specialist. For more advice on driving with a macular condition call our helpline on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org. 

Benefits and financial support for you

Some financial help is available whether or not you are in employment. Other support depends on your income and other circumstances.  

There are various benefits that could help, including: 

• Personal Independence Payments (PIP) 
• Universal Credit 
• Statutory Sick Pay 
• New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)  
• Access to Work 

Find out more about the benefits you could apply for in our guide to benefits. 

Support at work from the Macular Society

The Macular Society is here to support people with macular conditions and their families, friends, and carers. We want to support you at work, so we have gathered all the information you need to succeed in employment.  

We offer  

• Emotional support 
• Practical advice and guidance 
• Help with benefits 
• Information about your rights at work 

We’re here Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm for all your workplace questions. Whatever you’re worried about, we’re here for you and can get you the information you need. Call us on 0300 3030 111.  

FAQs

Can I still work with a macular condition? 

Yes; though macular conditions can present you with workplace challenges, with the right support, equipment, and help, you can continue to thrive in the workplace. 

Do I have to tell my employer about my macular condition? 

No, you don’t have to tell them, but if it impacts your work, you might need to tell them eventually, so you don’t run into problems. The sooner you tell them, the more quickly they can support you. You have a legal right to support in the workplace from an employer, and they will need to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help you. 

What is Access to Work?  

The Access to Work scheme is a government grant towards additional costs encountered by people who have a disability. The grant can cover things like the purchase of equipment, transport, or support workers.  

What if my employer won’t help me? 

Under the Equality Act 2010, you are entitled to help from your employer when you have a disability. You can get advice if your employer isn’t helping you from ACAS, Citizens Advice, and the Macular Society. Our helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Just call us on 0300 3030 111 for support, advice and information.  

Will I always need the same adjustments? 

The reasonable adjustments you need could change over time, depending on your vision, job role, and working responsibilities. Make sure you regularly review how things are working with your employer so you have the right support.