Blind dates, real connections: Love in the world without sight

This article is written by Michael, Vision Australia Career Start Graduate 2025.

Let’s be real. dating can be tricky to navigate. Add low vision or blindness into the mix, and suddenly you’ve got yourself one spicy meatball.

So, where do you start? Honestly, pop culture and social media don’t offer many examples of people with low vision dating or sharing advice.

Some folks even ask, “wait… can you even date?”

Well, yes. Yes, you absolutely can.

Let’s break it down.

Disclosure

Disclosure can be tricky - especially when your disability isn’t immediately visible.

It’s not always easy to open-up, and it can feel downright awkward. Telling someone you know is hard enough, but telling a stranger you fancy? That’s gutsy.

Feeling anxious about disclosure is totally normal. Think of it like a pebble in your shoe - you notice it, it’s annoying, but you keep walking anyway. You don’t let it stop you.

My experience

Disclosure has personally brought mostly positive vibes.

People appreciate honesty, and when you’re chill and accepting about it, you take the pressure off both yourself and the other person. It’s not just refreshing - it’s empowering.

I like to drop disclosure with a dash of humour.

Once the conversations vibing, I’ll say something like, “I have low vision - my eyes are display models only.” It breaks the ice and keeps things light.

Solutions

Dating in 2025 rocks if you're blind or have low vision.

People are more inclusive, and there are more ways than ever to meet someone special.

Love’s never been more accessible!

Dating apps

Dating apps like Hinge and Bumble have stepped up their accessibility game. You can now send voice messages with ease, and Bumble even lets you jump on a voice call with matches - perfect for skipping the small talk and diving into real conversation.

Tinder’s got your back too, with features like dark mode and reduced glare to make scrolling easier on the eyes.

And if you're using an iPhone, you're already winning. iOS devices come packed with built-in tools like Voiceover and screen readers that read selected text aloud. That means less eye strain and more energy for witty banter.

In-person dating events

If you’re more into meeting people the old-fashioned way, you’re in luck - singles events are making a big comeback.

Thursday Singles Events hosts themed nights across Australia, giving singles a relaxed space to mingle. Everyone’s there for the same reason, so the pressure’s off - and the cocktails help too!

They cater to different age groups and sexual orientations, and yes, they’re accessible. They even run daytime weekend events for those living with night blindness, so no one misses out on the chance to connect.

Own it

Confidence is king when it comes to dating. Own your disability as part of your personality. It’s one feature, not your whole identity. It doesn’t define you, and it certainly doesn’t hold you back.

Putting yourself out there can feel intimidating. You might wonder, “What if someone rejects me?”

The truth is that most people won’t be cruel. And if you do encounter a hater, consider it their loss. You’ve dodged a bullet and moved one step closer to finding someone who truly appreciates you.

Go out there and mingle!