FAQs

What are the leading causes of blindness?

There are many diseases that can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, corneal pathology, glaucoma, hemianopia, macular degeneration & retinitis pigmentosa.

Are the other senses of a person with blindness strengthened?

Many people have the misconception that people who are blind are endowed with other highly developed senses and skills. Loss of eyesight means learning to do familiar tasks differently. This means having to rely more on other senses; such as hearing and touching to adjust to ones surroundings.

Can someone with blindness live alone?

It is thought that people who are blind cannot live alone or work independently, but people can readjust living and working skills to their new situation. This is accomplished through specialized training such as independent living skills and with the help of many aids and adaptive technologies available to the blind.

Can a person with blindness travel?

There are many misconceptions about traveling. Some people who are blind use guide dogs; others travel around their communities by using white canes. They travel on public transportation to far-off places and also enjoy theater and other cultural and community events.

How can a person with blindness have a career?

Students who are blind attend sighted schools and through the use of adaptive technology, can pursue their career goals in various fields.

How do I interact with someone who is blind?
If you walk with them, let them take your arm. Don't push them. The motion of your body will tell them what to do.

If you direct them, give directions as clearly as possible. Say left or right according to the way they are facing.

If you seat them, put their hand on the back of the chair. They will be able to seat themselves easily.

If you live or work with them, never leave a door ajar. Keep corridors clear of clutter. Tell them if furniture is moved.

If you talk with them, remember that people who are only blind can hear as well as you. Always talk directly to them, not through their companion.

If they have a dog, remember that the dog is a working dog, not a pet. Never pet or offer the guide dog food unless you have asked for permission from the dog's owner.

When talking to a blind person don't feel afraid to use words such as "see" or "saw". People with blindness use the same language you do to describe things such as "watching tv."

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