February - 2026 is Low
Vision Awareness Month
Low Vision
Is Not the End of Work or Independence
When people hear the words
“vision loss,” many assume life must slow down or stop altogether. For millions
living with low vision, this assumption is the biggest barrier they
face—not the vision loss itself.
Low vision means reduced
eyesight that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, medicines, or surgery,
but useful vision still remains. With the right support, people with low
vision can continue to study, work, earn, and live independently.
A Life Restarted, Not Ended
Take the case of a young
graduate who developed a retinal condition in his early twenties. After being
told that treatment options were limited, he feared his career was over.
Through low vision rehabilitation, he learned to use screen magnification and
voice-based technology. Today, he works confidently in an office environment,
supporting his family and planning his future.
Stories like this are far more
common than we realize.
Why So Many Miss Out on Help
India is estimated to have millions
of people living with low vision, yet only a small fraction ever receive
low vision or rehabilitation services. The main reason is lack of awareness.
Many people—and even their
families—believe that once medical treatment ends, nothing more can be done. In
reality, rehabilitation is the next step, not the last one.
What Is Vocational Visual
Rehabilitation?
Vocational visual
rehabilitation helps people with low vision continue or return to work. It
focuses on:
- Using
remaining vision more effectively
- Learning
assistive tools such as magnifiers, smartphones, and accessibility
software
- Adapting
workspaces and daily tasks
- Building
confidence and independence
This support is guided by
trained professionals, especially optometrists, who assess functional
vision and recommend suitable solutions.
Technology Is Opening New Doors
Today, technology is a powerful
ally. From electronic magnifiers and screen-reading software to smartphone
accessibility features and AI-enabled tools, people with low vision are working
as teachers, office professionals, entrepreneurs, artisans, and students.
The tools already exist. What
is missing is awareness and timely guidance.
Families Make a Big Difference
Support from family members
plays a crucial role. Encouragement, patience, and belief in ability—not
limitation—often determine whether a person with low vision regains confidence
or withdraws from life.
Simple steps such as better
lighting at home, contrast marking, and emotional reassurance can make a
significant difference.
Where to Seek Help
Low vision and rehabilitation
services are available through:
- Eye
hospitals and optometry clinics
- Community-based
optometry practices
- Rehabilitation
centres and NGOs working with persons with visual challenges
Early consultation opens the
door to independence.
A Message for This Awareness
Month
This Low Vision Awareness
Month – February 2026, let us remember:
Low vision does not mean giving up on education, work, or dignity.
With awareness, timely care,
and the right support, people with low vision can lead productive, fulfilling
lives—wherever they are.
Sometimes, all it takes is
knowing that help exists.
Author:
Dr.
R. Krishnakumar
B.
Optom, M.A. (Psych.), M.Phil. (Opto), Ph.D., FBDO (O/S)
Doorstep(Free)Geriatric
Eyecare Services,Chennai
E
- Mail : kkramani93@gmail.com / Mobile / WahtsApp : 98403
12791
President - Professional Council of Ophthalmic
Sciences
National Commission for Allied and Healthcare
Professionals (NCAHP)
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,Government of
India
Visiting Faculty, Elite School of Optometry &
SJSIO, Chennai
Former Head of the department , Optometry, Sankara
Nethralaya, Chennai
Former the Principal, Elite School of Optometry,
Chennai
Advisor, Optometry Services, Sankara
Nethralaya(Medical Research Foundation), Chennai
Published by Dr A Mahalingam
TwinTech Healthcare Academy, Chennai / Mobile : 9710485295
