Ways to de-stress and relax for someone newly visually impaired

Perhaps someone could set her up with an Alexa for music and talking books, it can also be used, if linked, for making phone calls and more. All of this is possibly a future, but it would give your friend a degree of control in her life.

My dad lost sight in one eye from Macular Degeneration He got lots of practical help from RNBI a large number mobile phone, little raised coloured dots to put on certain things (ie stove plugs etc ) The local blind club send him tapes each week of the local newspaper which he loved listening too
I m sure the hospital gave him lots of leaflets to explore different agencies and charities
If possible and I know this is hard but if your friend can take this on as a challenge and not a negative she ll find it easier but it’s very early days just keep encouraging her to explore things

My sympathies go to your friend, the loss of a sense is very hard to bear after a lifetime of never having to think about it. I have macular degeneration like others have mentioned, I have spent a lifetime reading avidly, I can’t bear talking books but can manage my kindle app with huge print for maybe five minutes or so. I have a talking weigh scale as I like to bake. You can get large print adult colouring books which are relaxing. I’m not sure how long your friend has been in this situation but it takes a long time to come to terms with a new you. It’s really kind of you to try helping her.

Thank you, both. That's helpful and the reminder that this is sudden is absolutely right - grieving is the right word and she's angry and very sad at the moment. A social group for partially sighted is a good idea, though the idea of that would also take some adjustment. Maybe it's just too early to be suggesting anything and it just highlights how different things are? I think it's reducing the stress that needs to be a priority, so listening to something designed specifically for that might help instead of audio books. Thanks for some good pointers.

I have dry Macular and I am partially sighted but it is not at the stage to be registered but is galloping towards it.

I am a member of a local Macular society and we meet once a month for a coffee and a chat. We welcome anybody with sight loss irrespective of how and maybe she could do that. The RNIB would also help. Perhaps a friend could google local charities. A lot depends on where she lives. I live on the outskirts of London.

Her local council should help to adjust her house. A friend of mine received a free stairlift.

Your friend is adjusting to her new normal. She’s had no time to acclimatise to sight loss, it’s just bounced in .
My mum had dry macular degeneration and was eventually registered partially sighted. We got good advice from the local authority/ and charities involved in sight loss. This is 12 years ago but great radios, cd players etc. I’m sure the modern tech stuff is good.
Practical support is needed but the instant loss of her old life is huge. She’s grieving and somewhere in there, angry about what’s happened. Relaxation tapes, reading books?