Visual Impairment / Blindness
You’ll find helpful information below for specific disorders categorized generally under Visual Impairment and Blindness.
Visual Impairment / Blindness
Apple Invents Clothing Technology to Assist Individuals with Visual Impairments
According to the latest statistics gathered by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published in 2017, an estimated 253 million individuals live with some degree of visual impairment – an estimated 36 million of whom are blind, and 217 million who’re living with moderate to severe visual impairment. Apple has maintained a firm position of support for these individuals and others who endure some extent of visual or sensory impairment. The company’s macOS and iOS software, for example, is loaded with advanced Accessibility features meant to enhance and optimize its software for use by the sensory deficient.
In a patent application filed early in July with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Apple describes a revolutionary new invention designed to even further improve the lives of those struggling with visual impairment – some of whom either currently use, or would otherwise be assisted by the use of, physical aids to facilitate their autonomous navigation. Titled “Guidance Device for the Sensory Impaired,” Apple’s invention describes multiple embodiments of a wearable ‘Smart Clothing’ (i.e., a shirt or jacket) that’s technologically equipped with advanced components and sensors acting as a visual aid.
Screen children with neurodevelopmental disabilities for vision problems
NASAT reports that “Many children with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida have deficits in their senses, with vision impairment perhaps being the most limiting to successful participation in life. Several studies have found that vision care represents one of the greatest unmet needs for children with special health care needs. In addition, infants and toddlers who are socially at risk with functional vision difficulties make up one of the highest subgroups of developmental vulnerability.
Examination of the eyes is a routine part of a well-child check. Thus, pediatricians are in a unique position to detect vision impairment in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and ensure that appropriate referrals and intervention occur and classroom accommodations are made.”
Finding help with low vision
NIH News in Health “For people with low vision, everyday activities can be a challenge. People with low vision don’t see well even with standard glasses, contact lenses, surgery, or medicine. They may have trouble reading traffic signs or recognizing faces. It can be challenging to match clothes in different colors. The lighting in a room may often seem too dim.”
Five innovations harness new technologies for people with visual impairment, blindness
NASAT reports that “During Low Vision Awareness Month, the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, is highlighting new technologies and tools in the works to help the 4.1 million Americans living with low vision or blindness. The innovations aim to help people with vision loss more easily accomplish daily tasks, from navigating office buildings to crossing a street. Many of the innovations take advantage of computer vision, a technology that enables computers to recognize and interpret the complex assortment of images, objects, and behaviors in the surrounding environment.”
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