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, Available by Mail or by Downloading to a Device

• National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) | 888-657-7323 (books and player provided free)
• Bookshare accessible online library: $50 annually; free for students. Read on your computer, tablet, smart phone or assistive device
• Choice Magazine Listening (quarterly issues of recorded magazine selections, unabridged) | 888-724-6423
• Audio Bibles for the Blind 
• NFB-NEWSLINE ® 

Large Print Materials and Visual Devices

• American Printing House for the Blind 
• Learning Sight & Sound (LS&S) | 800-468-4789
• MaxiAids | 800-522-6294
• Independent Living Aids | 800-537-2118
• New York Times Large Print Weekly | 800-631-2580

Technologies: Computers, Cell Phones, Video Magnifiers 

• Search “voice to text software” 
• Apple and Mac devices
  • Apple accessibility information | 877-204-3930 
  • AppleVis user community
• Facebook accessibility
  
  • Help page 
  • Facebook page 
• Microsoft Accessibility tutorials | 800-936-5900
• 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

• American Diabetes Association: 800-342-2383
• American Foundation for the Blind: 212-502-7633
• American Macular Degeneration Foundation: 888-622-8527
• American Printing House for the Blind:  800-223-1839
• Association for Macular Diseases/Ophthalmic Edge
• Glaucoma Research Foundation: 800-826-6693
• Hadley School for the Blind online courses: 800-323-4238
• Macular Degeneration Foundation 888-633-3937
• Macular Degeneration Partnership, 888-430-9898
• Macular Degeneration Association, 855-962-2852
• MD Support, list of support groups: 888-866-6148
• National Eye Health Education Program, English and Spanish
• National Federation of the Blind: 410-659-9314 (toll call)
• National Institutes of Health database of privately and publicly funded clinical trials around the world
• Vision Aware^TM
• In Canada
• Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada: 1-844-887-8572
• CNIB Foundation: 1-800-265-4127 

 Vision Rehabilitation Self-Help Materials

• VisionAware^TM Emotional Adjustment to Vision Loss from the American Printing House for the Blind
• Fall prevention brochure from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• 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, American Printing House for the Blind; 800-223-1839
• 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 

• FamilyConnect
• CVIScotland: for children with cerebral/cortical visual impairment and their families
• Lighthouse Guild Support for Parents: 800-562-6265
• Perkins School for the Blind
• Texas School for the Blind

Camps and Organizations

• Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students
• U.S. Assoc. of Blind Athletes

Locate Vision Rehabilitation Services Near You

• VisionAware^TM

Ask if services include a vision rehabilitation consultation by an MD or OD; device recommendations; devices for loan; rehabilitation training for reading, writing, shopping, cooking, lighting, glare control; home assessment; mobility training; support groups. Ask about cost: Are these services free, billed to insurance or paid another way? Medicare covers most services but not devices.

Veterans

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.