February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about visual impairment and rehabilitation for those living with the condition. An estimated 3 million Americans age 40 and older are living with low vision, according to the National Eye Institute.
What is Low Vision?
Low Vision occurs when people have difficulty seeing even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, which makes everyday tasks difficult to do. Most people with low vision are age 65 or older. The leading causes of vision loss in older adults are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Among younger people, vision loss is most often caused by inherited eye conditions, infectious and autoimmune eye diseases, or trauma. Regardless of age, maximizing the use of remaining vision is the key to maintaining productivity and safety and that is where CABVI can help. Our specially trained Low Vision Optometrist and Therapists help our clients make the best use of remaining vision by prescribing appropriate low vision devices and providing instruction in their use.
In addition to our Low Vision Services, we offer a variety of comprehensives vision rehabilitation services and employment opportunities to help people who are blind or visually impaired lead productive, dignified and fulfilling lives.
In honor of the people we serve at CABVI and Low Vision Awareness Month, the Cincinnati ICON sign at the Duke Energy Center will display blue and yellow lighting, CABVI’s agency colors, on Monday, February 5th and Tuesday, February 6th.
Please take some time to celebrate Low Vision Awareness month through February by helping share and spread the knowledge of low vision and the services CABVI has to offer.