Each year, in February, Low Vision Awareness Month is commemorated to increase knowledge about low vision and the vision rehabilitation services that benefit individuals with vision loss. The National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that “Low Vision Awareness Month is a great time to spread the word about vision rehabilitation – and make sure that people with vision impairment know about the services available…” Vision rehabilitation includes a wide range of services that can help people with vision loss make best use of the eyesight they have to maintain their independence. NEI provides many resources to increase awareness about vision impairment and vision rehabilitation, including fact sheets, articles, infographics and infocards, a video series, and much more. For additional details and to access resources, check out NEI’s webpage on Low Vision Awareness Month.
Virtual Programs Marking Low Vision Awareness Month
The Braille Institute is hosting a number of Low Vision Awareness Month workshops that are being held virtually:
On February 2, from 10 to 11 am PT (1 to 2 pm ET), Basic Lighting will offer tips for household lighting, glare control and contrast enhancement for reading, managing finances, personal care, and meal preparation to stay safe and independent.
On February 6, 2023, from 1 to 2 pm PT (4 to 5 pm ET), Macular Degeneration and the Latest Research will feature a presentation from retina specialists about this leading cause of vision loss in older adults, including emerging treatments and new research.
On February 9, 2023, from 10:30 to 11:30 am PT (1:30 to 2:30 ET), UCLA Nutrition and the Eye, an educational workshop, will focus on nutrition and its role in managing disease and maintaining health.
On February 15, 2023, from 1 to 2 pm PT (4 to 5 pm ET), an Update on Clinical Trials for Low Vision Retinal Disease will elaborate on the latest trials underway.
On February 23, 2023, from 10 to 11:30 am PT (1 to 2:30 pm ET), Principles of Contrast will provide participants with basic principles related to contrast and how to apply them to address difficulties related to low contrast sensitivity and overcome challenges to activities of daily living, such as dressing, household and medication management, and more.
For more information on these and other resources, visit the Braille Institute webpage: February is Low Vision Awareness Month!
