undoubtedly, the prospect of sight loss is daunting and thus developing a therapeutic relationship with the patient is essential. The nurse should strive to gain insight into the older person’s feelings and fears of blindness; counselling skills, active listening and positive responses are essential. older people may be able to cope with their emotions better when nurses spend time allaying their apprehensions and fears (Watkinson and Scott 2010). exploring older people’s expectations of better vision associated with treatment is necessary to dispel false hopes that either medical or surgical intervention will improve existing vision.