Low vision
Last updated
Low vision is vision loss that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, medicine or surgery and affects daily tasks.
Topic: Vision and hearing
In plain terms
A student with low vision has usable vision but may struggle with print size, distance, contrast, glare, visual field or tracking. Low vision devices include magnifiers, telescopes for distance, video magnifiers and screen enlargement software. A low vision exam by an eye care specialist can recommend devices and training.
How it shows up in an IEP
Goals often target using devices independently, like reading the board with a monocular or using screen magnification, and accommodations cover print size, lighting and seating.
Example
A seventh grader uses a handheld telescope to read the board and screen magnification on a laptop, with a goal for setting up both independently at the start of each class.
Related terms
- Visual impairment including blindnessUnder IDEA, visual impairment including blindness is a vision loss that, even with correction, adversely affects a student's educational performance.
- Functional vision evaluationA functional vision evaluation looks at how a student uses their vision in everyday school tasks and settings.
- Learning media assessmentA learning media assessment is an evaluation that helps the team decide whether a student with a visual impairment should learn through print, braille or both.
- Preferential seatingPreferential seating places a student where they can best see, hear, focus or move, such as near the teacher or away from distractions.
- TVI (teacher of students with visual impairments)A TVI is a certified special education teacher who specializes in teaching students who are blind or have low vision.
On IEP Atlas
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