Opening tamper-proof packaging can be very difficult. Graphics and indicators on controls can be very difficult to see, especially if they are small or use low contrast colours. Medicines For many older people, taking medicines is part of everyday life. Often there are problems in differentiating tablets and in accurately measuring liquids. A number of devices have been developed but most are difficult to use by someone with poor manual dexterity or a hand tremor.
Labels are often in small print with poor visual contrast.
It is somewhat surprising that the labels on eye drop bottles are often difficult to read despite the probability of the user having impaired vision. This change has been to the disadvantage of many visually impaired persons who benefited from the personal service the local shops could offer. In supermarkets it can be difficult to find the right products, and even harder to determine the price. There have been a number of proposals for using the barcode to help visually impaired people sort their groceries at home. The barcode gives the product number so it would be necessary to have a databank to relate this number to the product name and label information.