Did you know that French Impressionist Claude Monet painted his famous ‘Water Lilies’ after losing his eyesight in his late 60s? He started to experience a diminishing ability to discern different colors. His work tended towards becoming monochromatic but he continued to paint despite the color disturbances. 

Black Eyed Peas rapper Allan Pineda Lindo, Jr. is legally blind in both his eyes due to nystagmus. Nystagmus is an impairment which involuntarily makes the eye move rapidly, up and down, side to side, or in a circle. 

As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

• Low Vision (LV) may include partial sight, partial blindness, or poor vision
• Low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or any medical or surgical intervention
• A person with Low Vision has lesser vision than 6/18 or 6/60, with best correction in the better eye or impairment of field
• The person may experience hazy or blurry vision, tunnel vision, blind spots, poor peripheral vision, night blindness and so on
• They may have difficulty reading, recognizing faces, or distinguishing colors
• People with low vision experience a range of visual challenges that can affect their daily life

Some of the common causes of Low Vision include Age Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stroke, Cataract et cetera. 

People with low vision use assistive devices like 

• Handheld magnifiers, 
• Screen reading softwares, 
• Speech to text applications, 
• Digital desktop magnifiers, 
• Bioptic telescopes, 
• Talking appliances, et cetera to function independently in their daily lives as well as navigate across the world.
• Technology assists them in overcoming challenges in work, education, and social engagements.

In addition to assistive technologies, individuals with low vision may also benefit from orientation and mobility training, as well as other specialized training programs.

A lot of famous eye hospitals across India have dedicated Low Vision clinics to help patients understand their condition and rehabilitate using aids and devices. By raising awareness and promoting accessibility, we can help individuals with low vision to live independent and fulfilling lives. 

For more information on Low vision connect with

 Sightsavers India

Saksham

The Xaviers Resource Center for the Visually Challenged

Blind Welfare Society

Lotus Eye Hospital

Vision-Aid India