Can I Work in Security with a Vision Impairment? Understanding the Risks and Realities

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Vision and the Security Role

Clear, reliable vision is central to many of the duties performed by security officers – from identifying risks in crowded environments to reading instructions, monitoring surveillance systems, and responding quickly to changing situations. At Asset College, we receive enquiries from individuals with vision impairments wanting to know whether they can complete a security course and work in the field.

This article outlines the practical considerations of working in security with a vision impairment. It’s designed to help you assess your own situation, seek appropriate advice, and decide whether this path is right for you.

What Is a Vision Impairment?

Vision impairments range in severity and cause. Some are correctable, while others are permanent or progressive. These may include:

Short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism (with or without corrective lenses)
Partial or central vision loss
Peripheral vision loss
Legal blindness
Colour blindness
Conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy

Some individuals manage very well with assistive devices or visual strategies, while others face significant limitations in mobility, perception, or detail recognition.

Vision-Dependent Tasks in Security Work

Security officers rely on visual input in nearly every aspect of their role. This includes:

Monitoring people and environments for suspicious behaviour or hazards
Reading signs, instructions, rosters, and incident reports
Recognising faces, licence plates, or identifying details
Observing surveillance footage
Performing visual checks of bags, equipment, or restricted areas
Navigating complex environments during patrols or emergencies
Responding to visual cues from alarms, lights or crowd movement

In emergency or high-risk situations, a delayed or missed visual cue can lead to harm. That’s why it’s essential to assess your capacity to perform these tasks confidently and safely.

Additionally, some specialised security roles – such as X-ray screening at airports or maritime checkpoints – use colour-coded threat identification systems. In these contexts, accurate colour vision is essential, and colour blindness may make such positions unsuitable.

Training vs. Real-World Roles

Our training programs are designed to reflect the expectations and standards of real security work. If your vision impairment affects your ability to:

… then you may not be able to successfully complete the course or demonstrate the required competencies.

That said, we won’t prevent you from enrolling – but we will expect you to make an informed choice, and we may request a Fitness to Participate clearance from your treating optometrist or doctor.

Reasonable Adjustments and Our Limitations

Asset College supports reasonable adjustments that help you engage with training, but we will not offer adjustments that:

We also do not alter assessment tasks that reflect essential job functions – particularly where visual observation is core to competency.

Working Together to Understand Your Needs

Our trainers are experienced and supportive, and we understand that not all vision impairments are the same. However, we are not clinical experts. That’s why, in situations where there are concerns about safety or suitability, we may ask for a Fitness to Participate form to be completed by your doctor or optometrist.

This helps us understand your condition properly and ensures you are not put at risk during training.

Decision-Making Checklist: Is This the Right Fit?

Before enrolling, consider these important questions:

Can I see clearly enough to recognise people, objects, or risks in different lighting and distance conditions?
Can I read instructions, signs, and reports without strain or confusion?
Am I able to observe and describe events accurately?
Would my impairment limit my ability to complete security patrols or surveillance tasks?
Have I discussed this career path with a medical professional who understands the demands of security work?

If any of these raise concerns for you, a confidential discussion with our team and your healthcare provider is a helpful next step.

Looking Ahead Realistically and Respectfully

People with vision impairments contribute meaningfully in many industries. In some limited cases, certain low-risk, static roles in security may be achievable for those with minor impairments – particularly where assistive technologies or workplace modifications are available.

However, security work is heavily reliant on vision. We encourage you to carefully assess whether the duties of a security officer align with your strengths and capabilities – and to be realistic about future licensing and employment prospects.

We will treat your enquiry with dignity and transparency and support you to make the decision that’s right for you.

Disclaimer

Please note: Training with Asset College does not guarantee that you will be eligible for a security licence or employment in the industry. Licensing decisions are made by the relevant state or territory regulators. Employers may have their own requirements for fitness for duty, availability, and role suitability. We recommend seeking independent medical and professional advice before making enrolment or career decisions.