VISION is something most of us take for granted -- but what is it like to be in a familiar environment without sight?

We asked one woman to find out for us and she told reporter Pauline Hawkins of her experience.

HOW many times each day do our eyes save us from danger, being short-changed and made fools of -- and help us communicate with friends and colleagues?

Today is World Sight Day and opticians across the country want people to be more aware how valuable their sight is.

Nicola Rogers, 27, of Rossendale, agreed to have her eyelids taped and wore dark glasses as she was shepherded around Blackburn by her friend Samantha Farmer, 30, from Darwen, customer service manager at Specsavers in King William Street, Blackburn.

Nicola noticed that her other senses, particularly hearing and smell, became more heightened to compensate for her lack of sight. "I normally block out a lot of noise, but I could hear every little thing," she said.

"We went into Morrisons and a group of colleagues came to say hello. I felt strange talking in a group -- I had no eye contact and did not know when people were talking to me or when it was my turn to speak."

Samantha said she had felt very protective of Nicola but that the trust between them had been strong because of their friendship. They moved on to the coffee stall in the market, where the smell of beans being ground was particularly strong for Nicola. "While Samantha was at the counter I was very aware of sounds. Samantha said my facial expressions were intense, not like my usual self," Nicola said. "I replied that it is quite difficult to respond to others when you can't see their facial expressions."

After encountering narrow aisles in shops, uneven floors and inconsiderate sighted people who almost barged into her, Nicola sat outside feeling drained and tired.

Samantha watched a blind man cross the road with his white stick, counting his steps out loud as he reached a zebra crossing and headed for the library. "It was quite an emotional, poignant moment," she said.

Of her few hours deprived of sight, Nicola said: "I enjoyed the experience, but it was good to know it was only an experience and at the end of the day the glasses were coming off."

Specsavers staff in Burnley will be taking part in a similar exercise today.