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Introduction

Vision Australia has prepared this guide to help aid healthcare professionals. Its goal is to help you prepare documents that are more accessible to people who are experiencing vision loss to ensure they better understand the information you share with them.

Font size and style 

Using a larger font size is a simple way to increase the readability of a documents for someone with low vision. We recommend using a font size of 16 if possible, and never anything less than 12.

Use a simple and clear sans-serif font style, such as Arial, as these are easier to read than stylised font styles. 

Avoid using ALL CAPS, and use underlined and italicised text sparingly, as these can all impact the readability of your document.

Page layout 

Be consistent and logical with how you layout your documents, as this will ensure they are easy for the reader to follow. Heading styles should be consistent throughout the document. 

Page numbers need to be clearly visible and in a consistent location throughout your document. If using contents, index or glossary pages, page numbers must be clearly linked to the reference. 

Tables must have visible borders, with adequate space between text and border. Table headings should be repeated at the top of each page, and cells should not be split across page breaks. 

Text boxes and images should not interfere with the flow of text. 

Spacing and alignment 

Text should always be left aligned and set horizontally, with at least 1.5 line spacing. Paragraph spacing should always be included to improve the flow of a document. 

Always include either adequate space or a vertical line between columns. 

Forms

People with low vision often have handwriting that is larger than average, so spaces on forms where people need to fill in their details or sign should be bigger. Signature guides are available from the Vision Store.

Printing documents 

Ensure all documents you print for people who have low vision are in a matte finish, as a glossy finish can create glare and make it difficult to read. The paper used should be thick enough to prevent text showing through from the reverse side of the document – we recommend uncoated paper that weights at least 90gsm and only printing on one side if possible. 

Documents with multiple pages should be bound for ease of reading and to ensure the content stays in the right order. 

Exporting documents in other formats such as HTML

If possible, export and share documents in a digital format, preferably as HTML files. Users with low vision can then read through the documents according to their specific needs. They can zoom in, replace the font or adjust its colour, size, letter spacing and word spacing. For example, Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat can convert documents to HTML files.