You will be better able to help your student's learning process if you understand the nature and degree of the vision loss and what the educational implications may be for your work together in the classroom.

Visual impairment refers to a significant loss of vision in both eyes which cannot be corrected with glasses. The degree of loss may vary significantly, which means that each student with low vision or blindness needs individual adjustments to learn most effectively.

There are two main categories of visual impairment: Low Vision and Blind. Most British Columbia students with visual impairments have low vision, which means they are print users but require special equipment and materials. They should be encouraged to use their residual vision in their educational programs as much as possible. Students who are described as "legally blind" usually have some usable vision. The term "legally blind" is used to indicate entitlement to important government and private agency services.

Visual impairments are also classified as congenital (vision loss which is present at birth) or adventitious (vision loss later in life as a result of illness or accident). The age of onset and level of development before sight loss occurs are critical factors in the student's ability to acquire skills and concepts.

It is important for you to be aware that although two children with visual impairment may be assessed as having the same visual acuity, they may each learn and function in very different ways. Vision may actually fluctuate or may be temporarily influenced by such factors as fatigue, light glare, or inappropriate lighting. An understanding of the type of visual impairment is certainly important, but generalizations about the student's visual functioning cannot be made solely on the basis of the diagnosed eye condition.