1.

Visual Impairment
Visual (Vision) Impairment is a
reduction in vision – usually associated
with age – that cannot be corrected by
prescription glasses, contact lenses,
medicine or even surgery. It can range
from low to severe. In effect, a person
diagnosed with visual impairment has
difficulty fulfilling his/her regular daily
functions. Visual impairment
typically calls for a change in lifestyle and
a solid support system.

The World Health Organization (WHO)

has issued the following classifications of
visual impairment:
 Mild Vision Loss or Near-Normal Vision – 20/30 to 20/60
 Moderate Visual Impairment – 20/70 to 20/160
 Severe Visual Impairment – 20/200 to 20/400
 Profound Visual Impairment – 20/500 to 20/1000
 Near-Total Visual Impairment – less than 20/1000
 Total Visual Impairment – no light perception at all

The terms partially sighted, low vision, legally blind, and totally blind are used in the
educational context to describe students with visual impairments. These terms are defined
as follows:
• “Partially sighted” indicates some type of visual problem has resulted in a need for
special education.
• “Low vision” generally refers to a severe visual impairment, not necessarily limited to
distance vision. Low vision applies to all individuals with sight who are unable to read
the newspaper at a normal viewing distance, even with the aid of eyeglasses or contact
lenses. They use a combination of vision and other senses to learn, although they may
require adaptations in lighting, the size of print, and, sometimes, braille.
• “Legally blind” indicates that a person has less than 20/200 vision in the better eye or a
very limited field of vision (20 degrees at its widest point)
• Totally blind students, who learn via braille or other non-visual media.
 Symptoms Decreased ability to see[1][2]

Causes Uncorrected refractive

errors, cataracts, glaucoma[3]

Diagnostic Eye examination[2]

method
Treatment Vision rehabilitation,
changes in the environment,
assistive devices

http://www.seniorvision.org/resources/definition-of-visual-impairment

https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/visual-impairment.html