Working With Visually Impaired Patients

Identifying blind and visually impaired patients

Not all blind and visually impaired use a cane or guide dog.
Ask if a patient has trouble seeing or reading prescription labels.
Notice if a patient doesn't drive, requests delivery, or has someone else pick up their prescriptions.
Look for medications that treat conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, stroke, TBI, vestibular issues, etc. that might impair vision or reading ability.

Make it easy to request

Train all staff on your policies and accessibility equipment.
Promote your accessibility services (phone, website, app, counter).
Don't make BVI patients wait longer than other patients.
Don't impose a surcharge or extra fee.

Best Practices

Audible

Provide start/stop, volume control and ear bud access for privacy.
Clear voice.
Minimize background noise.
Ensure the durability of the device, label and adhesive until the expiration date.

Large Print

18-point bold font.
Non-glossy paper and tape.
High contrast between text and background color.
Sentence case, non-condensed, san-serif font, such as Arial.

Braille

Use contracted (Grade 2) braille.
Emboss braille labels on transparent material.
Do not fold braille labels (it can damage the embossed dots).

Full list of best practices: https://www.access-board.gov/rx.html

Pharmacy Grant Assistance

There are still Missouri RxCares Grant funds available to assist independent pharmacies with equipment and set up costs for accessible prescription labels.