Resources and Links for People with Low Vision

There are numerous resources and devices to help people with low vision enjoy a wide range of activities and hobbies. Some of the national resources are mentioned here. Other local resources may be available as well. Check with your ophthalmologist and vision rehabilitation team to learn more.

More Information About Low Vision in Children

• American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
  • Resources for low vision and cerebral/cortical visual impairment
  • More information about childhood eye conditions
• Lions Club: Videos and webcasts about low vision conditions and rehabilitation

Audio books and magazines are available by mail or by downloading to a device.

• National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) | 800-424-8567 (books and player provided free)
• In Canada: Contact your local library or CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access) | 855-655-2273
• Bookshare accessible online library: $50 annually; free for students. Bookshare.org audio books can be read on your computer, or on specific audio devices, tablets or smart phones with a variety of apps
• Choice Magazine Listenings (quarterly issues of recorded magazine selections, unabridged) | 888-724-6423

Large Print Materials and Visual Devices

• LS&S | 800-468-4789
• MaxiAids | 800-522-6294
• Independent Living Aids | 800-537-2118
• New York Times Large Print Weekly | 212-556-1200

Technologies: Computers, Cell phones, Video magnifiers 

• Search “voice to text software” 
• Apple and Mac devices
  • Apple accessibility information | 877-204-3930 
  • AppleVis user community
• Microsoft Accessibility tutorials | 800-936-5900
• List of accessible cellphones
• Computers for the Blind (CFTB) 
• ZoomText magnification computer software 
• Video magnifiers: List of products and descriptions

 National Organizations for Support, Information and Research Updates

• AMD Alliance International: 877-263-7171
• American Diabetes Association
• American Foundation for the Blind: 800-232-5463
• American Macular Degeneration Foundation
• Association for Macular Diseases/Ophthalmic Edge partnership
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Fall prevention brochure
• Clinical trials, search
• Glaucoma Research Foundation: 800-826-6693
• Hadley School for the Blind online courses: 800-323-4238
• Macular Degeneration Foundation 1-888-633-3937
• Macular Degeneration Partnership, 888-430-9898
• Macular Degeneration Association, 855-962-2852
• MD Support: Support group list and Video: Learning to Live with Low Vision, 816-761-7080 (toll call)
• National Eye Health Education Program, English and Spanish
• Vision Aware

 Vision Rehabilitation Self-Help Materials

• "Getting Started" Kit for People New to Vision Loss from the American Foundation for the Blind
• A Self-Help Guide to Nonvisual Skills (PDF), D. Roberts, 2011
• Making Life More Livable: Simple Adaptations for Living at Home After Vision Loss, M. Duffy, NY: American Foundation for the Blind, 2002; 800-232-3044
• Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight, L. Mogk, MD, & M. Mogk, PhD, NY: Ballantine Books 2003
• The First Year — Age-Related Macular Degeneration, D. Roberts, NY: Da Capo Press, 2006
• Overcoming Macular Degeneration: A Guide to Seeing Beyond the Clouds, Y. Solomon, MD, & J. Solomon, NY: BookSurge Publishing 2009

Pediatric and Youth Resources 

• AFB FamilyConnect
• AERBVI: organization for professionals who work with blind and visually impaired children and adults
• APH: materials for children and teachers
• CVIScotland: for children with cerebral/cortical visual impairment and their families
• National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) | 212-769-7819 
• Perkins School for the Blind
• Texas School for the Blind

Camps and Organizations

• Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students
• S. Assoc. of Blind Athletes - Empowering Americans‎

Veterans

All Veterans can receive services and devices free of charge

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: 844-698-2311

Do you know of a good resource that’s not listed here? Let us know by emailing eyesmart@aao.org.