Maybe. However, I would probably recommend getting comfortable with using a cane in situations where you you have difficulties first as a dog can be quite a responsibility and May require you to do more planning when travelling.

Saying this, I know many partially sighted people who have benefited greatly from having a dog as for them, it’s enables them to travel more smoothly. Others prefer a cane for the reasons listed above. Paragraph

You can get a guide dog if you are VI or blind.

Most guide dog schools require you to have good cane skills before you can get a guide dog. Do you have the skills you need?

Are you living in a place/situation where you can take care of a guide dog? I've had clients who wanted a guide dog, but would only go out once a week. Virtually every guide dog school has specific minimum requirements you need to meet before they would consider it.

Don't worry about the judgement, if the dog makes your life easier and you benefit from having it that's what's important.

What I would ask though, from another person who had a guide dog at age 17 which didn't work out for a multitude of reasons is whether the changes that often come at this stage of life are compatible with having a guide dog. Not just around caring for the dog but around the amount of training that will be required so that both you and the dog learn routes. If you plan to attend university for example I personally would wait until you've been there for a while and so already have some idea regarding routes around campus/the local area. I'm not trying to hurt your confidence at all, but having to give up my guide dog when I was 18 was truly heartbreaking for me and I'd hate for others to go through that experience without warning first.

If you qualify for one, apply for one. Sod the nay sayers! My mother has a guide dog too and they're truly liberating.

I would say consider the dog and cane prose and cons first. Maybe it’s more beneficial just to have a cane first.

If you're certain that you would benefit from a guide dog and you're prepared to take on such a big commitment, then I see no reason not to get one. Forget the naysayers!

I am also partially sighted and trained with my first dog at 17. Over the years I have had numerous people tell me "You can see. You don't need a dog." It always comes from people who barely know me and probably know even less about blindness. So who cares what they think? My family has been supportive all the way, and since your mom has a guide dog I'm sure yours will be the same! And the reactions you'll get from strangers in public will be overwhelmingly positive. People love seeing service dogs!

Do what's best for you!

I got a dog at 17, and they never had a problem. I am in the USA, so I don't know if the requirements are different.

Who gives a crap what others think? You need to do what’s best for you. Besides, the majority of people are in their own little world anyway. If you think it’s the right choice for you, you should apply.