Helpful Resources for Blindness & Low Vision

Carolina Low Vision resources

photo provided by Toby Bradbury

We have a lot of collective experience at Carolina Low Vision, but we believe that there is always more to learn.  That’s why we made a list of all of our favorite low vision resources so you can learn right along with us. While some of these resources have a more local focus, others strive to assist the visually impaired across the United States.

No matter what their focus is though, all of these sites provide great information about the causes of low vision, how you can learn more, and where to find the best in products and services.

National Resources

  • National Federation for the Blind – With offices in all 50 states, including Puerto Rico, the National Federation for the Blind is the country’s largest organization for the blind. Since 2004 they have been helping the blind get ready for a variety of careers and conducting research at the Jernigan Institute. The Jernigan Institute is located in Baltimore and is operated by the blind as well. Visit this site to learn more about blindness or visit the National Federation for the Blind’s New York office in New York City.
  • The United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs – Whether you are a veteran or not, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides great information about low vision and blindness. They maintain a list of eye care providers that serve veterans for little or no charge, and also provide veterans with an informational page about the different kinds of low vision equipment that is available to them.
  • The Foundation Fighting Blindness – If you are looking to keep up to date about recent research and news relating to blindness, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is a great resource. Primarily a research organization, the foundation is headquartered in Maryland, but has regional offices in Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem. They can refer you to a local optometrist and you can connect with others suffering from low vision across the country on their message boards.
  • Enhanced Vision – Enhanced Vision is a leading developer of assistive technology for the visually impaired including Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracts, Retinitis Pigementosa and Diabetic Retinopathy. Low vision assistive technology enables people to read, write and fully participate in life.

North Carolina Resources

  • The Macula Center of North Carolina – A great resource for learning about the various causes of low vision, the Macula Center of North Carolina is headquartered in Hendersonville, but has offices in Asheville and Spruce Pine. Visit their Retinal Conditions page to learn more about retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the most frequent cause of age induced loss of vision and blindness in adults age 50 and older.
  • The North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind – A division of the Department of Health and Human Services, the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind provides services and references to the blind in North Carolina. Their purpose is to help the blind preserve and improve their vision, train for and find fulfilling employment, and to live a more independent existence. They maintain a job board for the blind and also an additional list of great resources you can visit and learn from.