Low Vision Resources

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. Please check with your ophthalmologist.

E-books and e-book readers

• Bookshare accessible online library:
• Spotlight Text:iPad app for people with vision loss

Books and magazines on tape loaned by mail free; tape player provided

• National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS): 800-424-8567
• In Canada: Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) library: 800-563-2642

Books and magazines on tape, to keep, free

• American Printing House for the Blind: 800-223-1839
• Choice Magazine Listenings (quarterly issues of recorded magazine selections, unabridged): 888-724-6423

Large print materials and visual devices — crosswords, bingo cards, address books, calendars, CCTVs, etc.

• LS&S: 800-468-4789
• MaxiAids: 800-522-6294
• Enhanced Vision: 888-811-3161
• Independent Living Aids: 800-537-2118
• New York Times Large Print Weekly: 212-556-1200

Computer enlargement — accessibility features built into your computer

• Magnifying mouse: Microsoft
• Magnification software: Ai Squared

National organizations, for support, information and research updates

• AMD Alliance International: 212-821-9200
• American Foundation for the Blind's "For Seniors site"
• American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.: 800-SAY-AOTA 
• Association for Macular Diseases/Ophthalmic Edge partnership
• Envision, Inc.
• Macular Degeneration Partnership: 888-430-9898
• MD (Macular Degeneration) Support: 888-866-6148
• National Eye Health Education Program of the National Eye Institute: offers free materials (e.g., What You Should Know About Low Vision, also in Spanish)
• The National Eye Institute's Office of Science Communications, Public Liaison and Education — offers information on eye diseases and vision research (English and Spanish): 301-496-5248
• National Federation of the Blind News by Phone: 866-504-7300
• VisionAware

Vision rehabilitation self-help materials

• "Getting Started" Kit for People New to Vision Loss - at VisionAware.org, 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

Locating vision rehabilitation professionals and services

Veterans:

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

Everyone:

• American Foundation for the Blind: 800-232-5463

Do you know of a good resource we don't mention here? Let us know by e-mailing eyesmart@aao.org.