This project examines the possibility of applying machine vision research to aid visually impaired persons with the recognition of day to day objects. Background research into everyday problems for visually impaired persons was carried out to see how best machine vision could be developed to tackle these problems. Methods of extracting, storing and classifying shape and colour information were examined, implemented and tested. The best of these methods were combined into the prototype system which was then tested rigorously. The results obtained along with all the problems encountered are discussed in detail. The feasibility and recommendations for further development of this project are also discussed.