Low Vision

There are an estimated 80 million people worldwide who have permanent vision impairment and can potentially benefit from low vision services. The majority of those with low vision are older people, and the numbers will double over the next 20 -30 years. Common causes of low vision include unoperated cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and eye injuries.

Low vision not only affects independence but also has significant psychosocial, and economic impact on the individual as well as the family, and society. Notwithstanding the debilitating effects of low vision, rehabilitation services have proven to enhance functional vision, potentially benefiting 90% of patients with the condition.

Low vision services encompass assistance offered to individuals who have some residual vision through the use of low vision devices, training in the effective use of residual vision, and advice on environmental modification to make the environment more accessible to patients with low vision. Such services also link eye care with education and rehabilitation services to ensure a comprehensive eye care service. However, low vision services are not always available to many people who require them, particularly in low income countries. This has been attributed to several factors including lack of eye care professionals, cost of services, non-availability of the devices, fear of stigma, and lack of significant improvement in vision.