Various snapshots of young children who are blind.

Since its inception, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has served as the leading source of information and research encompassing blindness and low vision in the United States. This information not only educates those experiencing blindness or difficulty seeing, but it also informs thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners who work each day to expand opportunity and inclusion for people who are blind or have low vision everywhere.

An essential resource from the American Foundation for the Blind is our Statistical Snapshots, which is a one-stop source providing a wide variety of information and tools addressing the most commonly asked questions relating to blindness and vision loss.

The Spectrum of Blindness

A man at the park with his guide dog. While many may think of blindness as a complete loss of sight, the reality is that it exists across a wide spectrum, with most people still retaining some vision. Traditionally, those with significant sight loss have been referred to as being “visually impaired.” However, many factors result in a person’s difficulty seeing, and not all are directly related to the eyes. For this reason, AFB, along with others in the field, considers sight loss to fall within this spectrum, ranging from total blindness to low vision resulting from a wide range of conditions. While there are many similarities, every individual’s situation is unique, and the pathway to independence can differ for each person.

The degree by which an individual’s loss of sight occurs can significantly impact their ability to function independently when performing daily routines. Just because a person may experience blindness or low vision does not mean that they cannot live a fulfilling and independent life. Through appropriate support, such as training and rehabilitation, people who are blind or have low vision can live just as freely as anyone else. Thanks to advancements in assistive technology, the hurdles of losing one of the body’s major sense perceptions can be supplemented. From traditional aids like tactile reading with braille to advanced artificially intelligent (AI) devices that help navigate streets, the barriers often resulting from blindness continue to be broken down by those innovating solutions for independence.

An older woman in her home typing on her laptop.

Misconceptions and stereotypes are often the biggest obstacles to equal opportunity and full inclusion for individuals with blindness or low vision. The more we know and understand, the more we can dismantle this significant social barrier, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

The following resources provide additional details on all things encompassing blindness and low vision. We have also included links to additional resources through our partner organizations. Questions and comments can be sent to communications@afb.org.

Resources for Living With Vision Loss

  • AFB's Statistical Snapshots

    Your one-stop source for statistical facts, figures, and resources about Americans with vision loss.

  • Guide to Eye Conditions

    A brief overview of conditions that are the cause of blindness or visual impairment.

  • Using Technology

    A round-up of issues related to technology for visually impaired and blind people, including AFB's acclaimed online technology magazine AccessWorld®, which offers objective reviews of mainstream and assistive technology products for people who are living with vision loss.

  • Braille

    An overview of braille and literacy, resources for finding braille publications, and the Braille Bug®, an interactive website for kids.

Partner Resources

  • Losing Your Sight?

    VisionAware™, now stewarded by the American Printing House for the Blind, is a comprehensive resource for basic information about adjusting to vision loss, including tips for adapting your home and daily living. There's also extensive information and support for senior citizens who are losing vision, as well as their family members and caregivers.

  • For Parents of Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

    Originally created by AFB and the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments, FamilyConnect® offers information and an interactive community for parents of children with visual impairments, with resources to help navigate infancy to the teenage years.

  • For Job Seekers

    CareerConnect® is your guide to the working world as a blind or visually impaired person. Learn from the experts about exploring careers, conducting a job search, getting hired, and succeeding in the workplace.