Blindness/Vision Loss Claims Solicitors in Tallaght

Losing your sight—whether suddenly or gradually—can turn your world upside down. From everyday tasks to long-term plans, life changes in ways that are difficult to imagine unless you’ve lived through it. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve been standing with individuals and families in Tallaght and across Dublin for over 20 years, helping them come to terms with life after serious injury and guiding them through the legal process with care, understanding, and quiet confidence.

We know that vision loss can happen for many reasons—medical errors, delayed diagnosis, accidents at work, or incidents in public places. Whatever the cause, if it could have been prevented, you may be entitled to take legal action. But we also know that bringing a claim is about more than compensation—it’s about making life that bit more manageable again, and giving you the support you need to move forward with confidence.

We’re a local firm with deep roots in the community. You won’t be passed around or left wondering who’s handling your case. When you contact us, you’ll speak directly with an experienced solicitor who will take the time to listen, explain your options, and walk beside you at every stage.

If you or a loved one has suffered blindness or serious vision loss and you believe it could have been avoided, contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP today. We’re here to help—dependable, thorough, and always on your side.

Life After Vision Loss: How It Truly Affects You

Losing your vision changes every part of your life. Whether it’s full blindness or a significant reduction in sight, the effects are more than medical—they’re emotional, practical, and deeply personal. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve worked with clients across Tallaght and Dublin who’ve experienced the life-altering reality of vision loss, and we understand just how overwhelming it can be.

For many, the first shock is the loss of independence. Everyday tasks—like making tea, walking through your local shop, or reading the post—suddenly become challenges. Familiar places feel unfamiliar. Routines that once took minutes now demand planning, assistance, or technology. Even things like travelling on public transport, caring for your children, or managing your finances become difficult without sight.

Emotionally, the adjustment can be just as heavy. Many of our clients have spoken about:

Feelings of grief and anger
Anxiety in public places
Loss of confidence and social withdrawal
Strain on family relationships and identity

This isn’t just about coping—it’s about rebuilding. In Ireland, vision loss often results in the need for long-term care, home adaptations, or professional support. From voice-guided software and mobility training to mental health counselling and retraining for work, the journey is ongoing.

And it’s not just the person who loses their sight who is affected. Partners, children, and relatives often take on new responsibilities—from guiding a loved one through unfamiliar environments to assisting with forms, reading, or personal care. This can cause emotional strain and financial pressure on the wider family.

We’ve seen firsthand how lives are changed by preventable errors—whether in hospitals, on building sites, or on the road. A missed diagnosis, a lack of proper eye protection, or a single careless moment can leave someone facing a lifetime of adjustment.

That’s why legal support isn’t just about claiming compensation—it’s about making life possible again. We focus on what you actually need to live with dignity, independence, and choice—from mobility aids to emotional supports, from retraining to financial security.

If your sight loss was caused by someone else’s action or failure, you may be entitled to bring a claim. And if you’re not sure, we’ll talk it through with care and honesty.

What Vision Loss Looks Like: Types and Degrees of Injury

Not all sight loss is the same. Some people lose all vision suddenly, while others experience a gradual decline over time. Some have damage in just one eye, others in both. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we explain everything clearly, without jargon, so that you can understand how the type and extent of your vision loss affects your legal rights and your long-term needs.

Partial Vision Loss

Partial vision loss may not mean total blindness, but it can still have a serious impact on your life. It includes:

Blurring or cloudiness, which can make it hard to read or navigate
Tunnel vision, limiting peripheral awareness and increasing fall risks
Patchy or distorted vision, especially when moving between light and dark areas
Reduced light sensitivity or an inability to focus on detail

These conditions often result from trauma, chemical exposure, or poorly managed medical conditions like glaucoma. In the workplace or in public spaces, they can make it harder to move safely or complete routine tasks.

Complete Blindness

This refers to total loss of vision in one or both eyes. For some, it may occur immediately—after trauma, a surgical error, or chemical burn. For others, it happens gradually, such as when a retinal detachment is missed or an infection is left untreated.

Even losing sight in one eye can severely affect depth perception, spatial awareness, and balance. When both eyes are affected, the loss of independence is much more pronounced and often requires:

Personal care assistance
Assistive technology
Long-term rehabilitation and emotional support

Functional Blindness

This refers to cases where some vision may remain, but it’s not enough to function safely in daily life. For example, someone may still detect light but be unable to walk unaided, read, or cook safely. Claims involving functional blindness are valid, even if total blindness is not diagnosed.

Understanding your specific condition is vital when making a claim. We ensure your legal case reflects not just your diagnosis—but your reality. Whether the damage is visible or not, we take your lived experience seriously.

What Causes Preventable Vision Loss in Ireland?

Vision loss can happen in seconds or develop slowly over time—but in many cases, it could have been avoided. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve worked with individuals across Tallaght and greater Dublin who lost some or all of their sight because of someone else’s negligence. Whether it happened at work, in hospital, on the road, or in a public space, the legal system allows you to seek justice when duty of care is breached.

1. Workplace Failures

Work environments that involve chemicals, sharp tools, debris, or bright light all carry a high risk of eye injuries. Yet we regularly see cases where employers fail to take even the most basic precautions. Common causes include: Lack of protective goggles or face shields Inadequate training when using hazardous substances Flying debris from grinding, welding, or sawing Exposure to UV light without proper eye protection Improper storage of caustic or flammable chemicals We’ve represented clients injured in warehouses, garages, and building sites—often because proper health and safety steps were skipped to save time or money.

2. Road Traffic Accidents

Serious collisions can result in direct eye injuries or trauma that affects the optic nerve or brain. Typical causes include: Shattered glass or flying metal fragments Airbag impact injuries Blunt trauma to the face or head Secondary brain injury leading to loss of vision Even if you were wearing a seatbelt and observing the rules of the road, another driver’s carelessness could leave you with irreversible damage to your sight. Pedestrians and cyclists are also especially vulnerable to facial injuries.

3. Medical Negligence

Some of the most severe—and avoidable—cases of blindness arise from healthcare failures. These may include: Delayed diagnosis of conditions like glaucoma, retinal detachment, or diabetic eye disease Improper treatment for infections, particularly post-surgery or injury Surgical errors during cataract, cosmetic, or laser eye procedures Failure to refer to a specialist in time Incorrect prescriptions of steroids or pressure-altering medication In these cases, the issue is not just the original condition, but the failure to act. When early treatment could have preserved vision, that delay carries serious legal consequences.

4. Public and Retail Environments

Shops, footpaths, and construction zones must be maintained to a safe standard. Vision loss can occur when: Shelving or signs protrude into walkways at eye level Broken glass or unsecured objects fall on shoppers or staff Public works leave tools or materials exposed to children or passers-by Sharp edges, corner fixtures, or unlit hazards go unmarked Businesses and local authorities have a legal obligation to keep the public safe. When they fall short, they may be liable.

What Your Claim Can Cover

Losing your sight—whether fully or partially—can bring with it a lifetime of extra needs, expenses, and adaptations. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we build every vision loss claim around the real-world impact it’s had on you and your family. No jargon. No guesswork. Just clear, practical recognition of what’s required to help you live safely and independently.

A successful claim doesn’t undo the injury—but it can give you the means to rebuild with dignity, confidence, and control.

Assistive Technology and Equipment

Technology plays a vital role in helping people adapt to vision loss. Depending on your needs, your claim may include the cost of:

Screen reading software (e.g. JAWS or NVDA)
Voice-controlled devices and appliances
Braille readers and electronic magnifiers
Smart canes and GPS mobility tools
Mobile phones, tablets, or computers with enhanced accessibility features

These tools are essential for work, communication, and day-to-day independence.

Home Modifications and Practical Adjustments

Your home may need to be restructured to suit your new needs. Examples of costs we can include in your claim are:

Enhanced lighting and anti-glare adjustments
Tactile floor markings or high-contrast features
Talking clocks, thermostats, or kitchen devices
Rearrangement of furniture for spatial safety
Handrails or guiding features in halls, bathrooms, and stairs

These changes help reduce falls and improve your confidence in your own space.

Transport and Mobility Support

When driving is no longer an option, alternative transport becomes a necessity. Your claim may cover:

Taxi fares to appointments or work
Mobility training and white cane training
Sighted guide support
Public transport assistance for those with low vision
Future needs for guide dog costs or mobility aids

We also factor in any long-term need for assisted travel to maintain employment or medical care.

Lost Income and Career Disruption

Many people with vision loss are forced to leave their job, reduce hours, or switch careers. We assess the full scope of:

Lost wages since the incident
Loss of career progression or pension benefits
Need for retraining or new qualifications
Future loss of earnings due to ongoing limitations
Workplace accessibility barriers that affect job retention

We work with employment experts where needed to project the long-term financial effects.

Psychological Support and Therapy

Sight loss can bring trauma, isolation, and mental health strain. Your claim can account for:

Proving a Vision Loss Claim in Ireland

To make a successful claim for blindness or vision loss, you need more than just a diagnosis—you need to show how the loss happened, who was responsible, and what it has meant for your life. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we help you build a case that does exactly that, using clear, evidence-based steps that make your experience heard and understood.

Establishing Negligence

The first part of any legal claim is proving that someone owed you a duty of care and failed to meet it. This might be:

An employer who failed to provide protective eyewear
A doctor who ignored or misdiagnosed early warning signs
A shop or premises that left hazards at eye level
A driver who caused a traumatic injury to your face or head

We examine all records, communications, and safety procedures to identify where the breach occurred.

Medical Evidence

A specialist medical report is essential to confirm:

The nature and extent of your vision loss
Whether it was caused (or worsened) by the negligent act
How the condition affects your daily functioning
The likelihood of recovery or permanence

We work with experienced ophthalmologists and consultants to ensure your report is comprehensive and specific to your case.

Real-world Impact

We gather supporting evidence that shows how the injury has affected your life, including:

GP notes, optometrist or hospital records
Statements from family or colleagues
Photographs of the injury or hazardous conditions
Employment records showing missed work or job changes

Every detail helps to build a stronger picture of your experience—and the support you deserve going forward.

How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?

In most cases of vision loss in Ireland, you have two years from the “date of knowledge” to bring a legal claim. This doesn’t always mean two years from the day of the injury—it means two years from the point when you became aware, or should have been aware, that your sight loss was linked to someone else’s negligence.

This is particularly relevant in medical negligence cases, where symptoms may worsen over time or the cause of the damage isn’t immediately obvious. For example, if your vision deteriorated after surgery but you didn’t discover the issue until months later, the two-year limit may start from the point of diagnosis or specialist review.

What If the Claim Involves a Child?

If the injured person is under 18, the time limit doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday. A parent or guardian can also bring a claim on their behalf before then. This ensures that children have a fair chance to seek redress when the time is right.

Why Act Sooner?

Even though two years may sound like plenty of time, early legal advice helps preserve evidence, secure expert reports, and clarify your options without delay. If you’re unsure when the clock started, we can help determine that with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still make a claim if I’ve only lost sight in one eye?

Yes. Loss of vision in one eye—whether total or partial—can still severely impact your depth perception, balance, and safety. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a valid claim.

What if my vision loss developed slowly over time?

Claims aren’t limited to sudden injuries. If your eyesight deteriorated due to a delayed diagnosis, incorrect treatment, or workplace exposure over time, the law may still recognise that as negligence—especially once a link is medically established.

Will emotional trauma be taken into account in my claim?

Yes. Vision loss often causes anxiety, depression, and major lifestyle changes. Psychological effects are a recognised part of compensation and can be supported by counselling reports or mental health assessments.

Can I claim for equipment like screen readers or smart devices?

Absolutely. Assistive technology is essential for independent living and employment. Your claim can include both the initial cost and ongoing upgrades or training required to use this equipment.

What if I already had poor eyesight before the injury?

Pre-existing vision issues don’t rule out a claim. The key question is whether someone else’s actions made your condition worse or caused additional, avoidable harm.

Can family members claim support if they’ve become carers?

In some cases, yes. If a relative has taken on a long-term caring role due to your injury, the financial and practical impact on them may be factored into your claim.

Contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP

If you’ve suffered vision loss and believe it was caused by negligence—whether at work, on the road, in a public place, or under medical care—you don’t have to face it alone. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we provide thoughtful, experienced legal support from our office in Tallaght, serving clients across Dublin and beyond.

You’ll speak directly with a solicitor who understands what this injury means for your life and your future—and who will guide you through every step, clearly and respectfully.

Contact us today to discuss your situation in confidence. We’re here to help.