International Resources: Blindness, Visual Impairment, & Deafblindness

The links in this section are for international or regional organizations with websites rich in information about blindness, visual impairment, or deafblindness. Some focus on eye health or prevention of blindness, others on education, rehabilitation, and family support. The lists are as comprehensive as we can make them. Please let us know if we’ve missed an organization that serves people with blindness, visual impairments, or multiple disabilities: scout@perkins.org

Below are the topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.

Combating Blindness & Promoting Eye Health 

Blindness
World Health Organization (WHO)
Links to fact sheets, publications, and related information.

Community Eye Health Journal
This leading journal is dedicated to global vision health; downloadable articles from back issues in English, Chinese, Spanish, and French.  There is also an Indian Supplement.

Directory of Teaching and Information Resources for Blindness Prevention and Rehabilitation
International Centre for Eye Health
This 48-page directory contains a selection of resources available from 27 organizations; indexed by subject and language

International Centre for Eye Health
Conducts research and public education programs to improve eye health and eliminate avoidable blindness, with a focus on low income populations.

National Eye Institute
A wealth of information on all aspects of vision and eye health; in English and Spanish.  Includes sections on Basic Eye Anatomy, Eye Care Resources, Education Programs, and Professional Resources.

Prevention of Avoidable Blindness and Visual Impairment
World Health Organization (WHO)
Links to data, maps, publications, and information about causes and socioeconomic aspects of blindness and visual impairment.

Publications on Ophthalmology in Developing Nations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
A 25-page bibliography of publications useful for ophthalmological healthcare providers, educators, and technicians working in economically developing nations.

Sightsavers International
Combats blindness in developing countries, restoring sight through specialist treatment and eye care.

Unite For Sight
Unite For Sight’s volunteers provide eye health programs and services to more than 600,000 of the neediest people all over the world.

Vision 2020: The Right to Sight
VISION 2020 is the global initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness, with an international membership of NGOs, professional associations, eye care institutions and corporations.

Directories of Service Organizations 

Agencies for Blind and Partially Sighted People, Royal National Institute for Blind People
A searchable and comprehensive database of international organizations.

Disability Rights Foundation
Lists international and regional organizations working for people with disabilities and for human rights; includes on-line discussion groups and related resources.

Organizations for Deafblind People Throughout the World, A-Z to Deafblindness
Associations from each continent by and for people with deafblindness.

Information & Services: Blindness & Visual Impairment 

Christoffel Blindenmission (CBM)
Serves people with visual impairment and other disabilities in developing countries.

International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
A global association that promotes equal access to education for children and youth with visual impairment.

Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
Promotes international cooperation, research, and development among libraries that serve people with blindness and other print disabilities.

Lighthouse International
Information, resources, and factsheets for people living with blindness or visual impairments, and the professionals who work with them.

Liliane Fonds (Liliane Foundation)
Provides medical, vocational, and social rehabilitation to children and youth with disabilities in developing countries, using local contacts and personalized assistance.

Low Vision Online, Centre for Eye Research Australia
Information for people working with those who have low vision; in English and French.

Mobility International USA
Empowers peoples with disabilities around the world through international exchange and development.

VisionAware
This self-help web site provides “free, practical, hands-on information to enhance quality of life and independence for adults with vision loss.”

World Blind Union
Represents the interests of more than 160 million individuals who are blind or partially sighted; 177 member countries.

Information & Services: Deafblindness 

Deafblind International
A global association promoting services for deafblind people and information about deafblindness.
 
Helen Keller International (HKI)
Combats preventable blindness and malnutrition internationally, builds local sustainable programs, and provides technical assistance and data to governments and other agencies.

International Programs
Perkins School for the Blind
Perkins International is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children who are deafblind or blind with multiple disabilities throughout the world. Partnering with hundreds of local agencies, Perkins International works with community leaders, families, and teachers to create educational opportunities (includes information in Spanish).

Liliane Fonds (Liliane Foundation)
Provides medical, vocational, and social rehabilitation to children and youth with disabilities in developing countries, using local contacts and personalized assistance.

Mobility International USA
Empowers people with disabilities around the world through international exchange and  development.

National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB)
Provides information and technical assistance to families, teachers, government, and local agencies on all topics related to children and youth with deafblindness.

Organizations for Deafblind People Throughout the World, A-Z to Deafblindness
A global directory of associations by and for people with deafblindness.

Sense International
Sense International provides services and information in India, Latin America, East Africa, and Romania to children and youth with deafblindness.

World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB)
A non-profit non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with deafblindness throughout the world.

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