This content originally appeared on Freedom Scientific Blog and was authored by Shelly Klure
Each October, Blindness Awareness Month and World Sight Day (observed on the second Thursday of the month) invite us to reflect on the global impact of vision loss, learn about prevention, and recognize the tools and technologies that empower people who are blind.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.2 billion people have near or distance vision impairment, 295 million people live with a moderate to severe vision impairment, and 43 million are blind.
Did You Know?
- Around 1 billion people globally have a visual impairment that could be corrected with access to glasses.
- Cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors remain the leading causes of vision impairment worldwide.
- Up to 80% of visual impairment is preventable or treatable with early intervention.
- 82% of people with vision impairment are over the age of 50.
3 Ways to Protect Your Eye Health
While not all causes of blindness can be prevented, many forms of vision loss can be reduced or delayed with regular care and protecting your eye health. Here’s how you can take proactive steps:
- Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A dilated eye exam allows your eye care professional to detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Early treatment can make a lasting difference in preserving vision. - Correct Refractive Errors
Common issues like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia are highly treatable once diagnosed. Discuss your options for correction with your eye doctor. - Wear Protective Eyewear and Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays can help protect your retina from sun damage while protective eyewear will protect your eyes from injury.
Practical Tools for Access and Independence
During Blindness Awareness Month, we also bring attention to technology and the importance of accessibility. One JAWS screen reader user shared their experience, “Technology has been an equalizer for people who are blind… thanks to JAWS, I’m going to be able to use the computer just like everybody else. There are so many things I can do that I never was able to do.”
- JAWS screen reader converts on-screen text to speech or braille, allowing users to navigate computers, access digital content, and complete tasks independently at school, work, and home.
- Braille displays provide tactile access to digital content by converting on-screen text into Braille, allowing people who are blind to read, write, and navigate devices independently using a keyboard or touch commands.
- Text-to-speech devices convert printed text into spoken words, helping people who are blind, or vision impaired read documents, books, labels, and more at home, work, or on the go.
Toby, a recent Freedom Scientific Student of the Month, shares this encouragement to others in his position, “Learning how to use these products can really change your life and make you more productive.” Throughout October, we will be offering free training webinars focused on bringing awareness to technology available and how to use it effectively. Check our Upcoming Webinars page to learn more and register for these exciting and informative trainings.
Learn and Act
Blindness Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn about vision health, the causes of vision loss, and the technology available for people who are blind or vision impaired.
Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam
- Learn about treatment and correction options for vision conditions
- Support the use of accessible tools and technology, such as screen readers and Braille displays
- Advocate for equal access in education, employment, and digital spaces
Whether you’re addressing vision care or advocating for accessible tech, your involvement supports a more inclusive community.
This content originally appeared on Freedom Scientific Blog and was authored by Shelly Klure