Vision impairment
Vision impairment is a decreased ability to see to a degree that causes problems not fixable by usual means, such as glasses or medication. It is a functional limitation of the visual system characterized by a significant loss of visual acuity or field of vision, which is clinically categorized into low vision and blindness (total or near-total blindness).
Vision impairment continues to be a major global health and socio-economic challenge. It is surrounded by misconceptions regarding the capabilities of affected individuals, which often instill doubts about their independent living and workforce legitimacy. The definition and classification of vision impairment have varied over history based on available diagnostic tools. Outdated medical models that viewed it strictly as a biological deficit have been replaced by modern social and biopsychosocial theories. These modern approaches combine evidence-based ophthalmological treatments with assistive technologies and inclusion strategies, re-establishing the focus on maximizing functional vision and accessibility. Currently, it is a widely researched domain in both clinical medicine and special education, with global initiatives building to eliminate avoidable causes of vision loss.
World Health Organization. (2025). Blindness and vision impairment. WHO Fact Sheets. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment.
GBD 2019 Blindness and Vision Impairment Collaborators, & Vision Loss Expert Group of the Global Burden of Disease Study (2021). Causes of blindness and vision impairment in 2020 and trends over 30 years, and prevalence of avoidable blindness in relation