Vision impairment

Vision impairment is the term used to describe any of the following conditions: 

• any problems with the eye, nerves or parts of the brain that affect clarity of vision
• problems with viewing things at different distances
• problems with colour perception.

Vision impairment in babies and children can be caused by genetic conditions, infections in the mother during pregnancy (such as rubella, toxoplasmosis), childhood infections (such as trachoma, glaucoma, meningitis), premature birth, birth complications, injury, tumours or cataracts.

There are differing degrees of vision impairment. Someone is legally blind if they can't see an object at 6 metres away, which someone with normal vision would be able see from 60 metres. This is called 6/60 vision.

Vision impairment can affect many aspects of a child’s life, including movement, sensory experiences and communication. There is a wide range of supports, services and interventions available for people with vision impairment.

Newborns with significant vision impairment may be a bit slower than sighted children to learn to walk and talk, and may need help with social skills.

The following professionals can help: paediatrician, ophthalmologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, specialist teacher, speech pathologist.

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