Low Vision

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Vision and Blindness

This section offers resources on low vision, including links that explain the examination, low vision assessment, assistive aids and devices, rehabilitation services, and advice for adjusting to vision loss.

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic:

For suggestions on adapting your home and general tips for living with Low Vision, see the section on Independent Living Skills.

Low Vision: Introduction

All About Low Vision, Lighthouse International
Describes some of the most common causes of low vision.

Low Vision Information, California Department of Education
Definitions, causes, devices, assessment, and resources on low vision.

Low Vision Library: About Low Vision, Center for the Partially Sighted
Definitions of low and normal vision, causes and symptoms of vision loss, central field loss, multiple field loss, tunnel vision, contrast loss and glare problems.

Low Vision, International Encyclopedia of Rehabilitation
Definitions, information on the visual system, causes of visual impairment, overview of low vision devices, and employment considerations.

Low Vision Terms, VisionAWARE
Information on low vision, visual acuity, legal blindness, light perception, light projection, total blindness, and reading with low vision optical devices.

Specific Eye Conditions with Corresponding Adaptations/Considerations, CampAbilities
A table listing eye conditions and their considerations, requirements, and appropriate adaptations.

What is Low Vision? Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
Definitions, causes and diagnoses of low vision; available in English and French.

What You Need to Know About Low Vision, American Foundation for the Blind
Low vision terminology, information on environmental influences, demographics, and common causes of low vision.

What You Should Know About Low Vision, National Eye Institute
Describes how to get help and live more safely and independently. Includes links to various topics on low vision; available in English and Spanish.

Low Vision Aids and Devices

Low Vision Devices: An Overview, Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Description of general, near-, and distance-vision optical devices, nonoptical aids, and instruction in their use.

Magnifiers and Distance Vision Aids, Vision Australia
Fact sheets that describe the uses of various vision aids.

Memo To The Classroom Teacher Regarding Students Using A Monocular, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Some facts and adaptations to be considered in the use of a monocular in the classroom.

Non-Optical Devices, Low Vision Online
Basic non-optical improvements that can help to make effective use of vision. Includes ideas to ease of reading and writing for a person with low vision.

Optical Devices, Low Vision Online
Reviews magnification methods, magnifying devices and guidelines for training.

Reading with Low Vision Optical Devices, VisionAWARE
Information on using optical devices when reading.

What Are the Most Common Low Vision Non-Optical Devices? VisionAWARE
Descriptions of non-optical devices, such as flexible-arm task lamps, full spectrum light bulbs, closed circuit televisions (CCTVs), and much more.

Low Vision Devices: Organizations and Resources to Explore

Low Vision Devices, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
Based on a presentation by Perkins' Dr. Barry Kran. Documents the technology used in the examination and diagnosis of low vision patients; includes case studies.

Low Vision Examination

Braving the Low Vision Exam, Lighthouse International
Topics include examination procedures, device selection and the rehabilitation process.

The Low Vision Exam: What to Expect, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Advice for seniors on the low vision examination, low vision aids likely to be prescribed, and services.

Summary of a Low Vision Exam, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
Describes the procedures of a low vision exam; includes colorful images of magnifiers and glasses.

What is a Low Vision Examination? VisionAWARE
Preparing for a low vision examination; what to expect in the vision specialist's exam chair.

Low Vision Rehabilitation Services

The Benefits of Early Introduction to Low Vision Rehabilitation Services, Lighthouse for the Blind
Optometrist Mark Wilkerson promotes the introduction of rehab treatment options very soon after learning that a patient will be experiencing vision loss.

The History and Future of Low Vision Services in the United States, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
Reviews the history of low vision services in the United States, and speculates about the shape of services in the coming years.

Low Vision Services: An Overview, Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Explains the services of low vision specialists and the value of the services and devices for children with visual impairments.

On Becoming a Wise Consumer of Low Vision Services, National Federation of the Blind—Future Reflections
Explains the offerings of low vision programs and gives pointers on getting the best services for your child.

The Unofficial Guide to Low Vision Services, National Federation of the Blind
Large-print information on diabetes and vision loss.

Low Vision: Organizations and Resources to Explore

The Center for the Partially Sighted
Contains links to articles, publications and reports on low vision.

Lea Hyvärinen's Homepage
A low vision teacher shares her slides and teaching materials on vision screening and in occupational health; available in English, Finnish, and Swedish.

Low Vision, NERCVE (Northeast Regional Center for Vision Education)
Multimedia presentation on basic eye anatomy; includes links to useful websites.

Low Vision, National Eye Institute
Low vision information for consumers; includes photos and images, and links to eye health organizations.

Low Vision, NIH Senior Health
Links to causes of low vision, risk factors, rehabilitation information, frequently asked questions, and MedlinePlus.

The Low Vision Gateway
Resources for vision loss, blindness, low vision aids, and rehabilitation services.

Low Vision Movie, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
This video demonstrates the vision assessment testing process by a physician.

Online Courses, Lighthouse International
Links to helpful online tutorials about low vision.

Optical Management of Low Vision, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
Kathy Miller 's presentation on management of low vision causes by cataract and other common conditions.

PAVE: Providing Access to the Visual Environment
Provides comprehensive clinical low vision services, optical devices, and instruction to children ages 3-21.

Living with Low Vision, Blindskills, Inc.
Doctors and rehabilitation specialists in California are creating a cooperative association to ensure that patients get the best information and service.