Introduction: Surveys conducted in schools for blind students have become useful alternatives to population-based surveys in generating data on childhood blindness and low vision. This survey determined the prevalence of low vision, causes of visual impairment, and the proportion of students requiring low vision devices and provided the low vision…

Demographic projections indicate that the population of the Western world is aging, and evidence suggests an increase in the incidence of conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), that produce visual impairments and result in low vision (Maberley et al., 2006). It is expected that in the United States and Canada, the annual…

The report analyzes data collected by the American Printing House for the Blind from residential and nonresidential schools regarding trends in school enrollment and reading methods among legally blind school children. (CL)

This paper presents a summary of presentations and discussion from a World Health Organization meeting of experienced low vision practitioners. It outlines the magnitude of the problem; current status of low vision care; enhancement of the use of vision; and recommendations in definitions, identification, assessment, low vision centers, education,…

Two groups of deaf college students, including 104 deaf from congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) and 138 deaf from other reasons, received complete audiometric assessments and ophthalmological examinations. Degree of hearing loss did not differ between groups. However, 7 visual problems were found to be more prevalent with the CRS population.…

The medical evaluation of 165 mentally retarded Australian adults found an average of 2.6 health problems, well above the number in the general population. In order of frequency, conditions found included obesity, ocular impairment, serious dental problems, and aural disorders. Active health promotion with this group is recommended. (DB)

Parents (n=52) of blind and partially sighted infants and preschoolers were surveyed concerning the frequency of occurrence and stability of the children's stereotyped behaviors. Stereotyped behaviors frequently observed in blind children proved to be stable, whereas other stereotyped behaviors were less stable. Age of child and frequency of…

Israeli legally blind infants and children (N=182) between the ages of 6 months and 5 years were systematically assessed over a period of 13 years. Behavioral problems were documented in 49%. The most frequent disorders were anxiety disorders, oppositional disorder with or without attention deficit hyperactivity, and avoidant disorder with or…

Describes the prevalence and patterns of vision impairment in the Sultanate of Oman. Reviews the types of special education and rehabilitation services offered and future priorities. Concludes that, although at present, few visually impaired children are receiving services, a special education system is evolving into a community-based approach to…

A survey of 6,850 adults age 40 or over concerning the effects of poor vision found that difficulties with reading or other near-vision activities were the most common complaint. One-fourth reported limitations in activities because of poor vision. Factors associated with loss of visual function were general health status, educational level, and…