Professionals

A variety of professionals work with blind people everyday. Some are ophthalmologists who provide medical attention to blind or visually impaired patients; others are more involved with non-medical, social aspects of blindness including Special Education for students, Vocational Rehabilitation for adults seeking employment, and Independent Living for senior citizens. All educated professionals can potentially play an important role in the lives of blind and visually impaired people. Below are links to valuable information and resources that may help certain professionals better serve and support people in the blind and visually impaired community. This page will be regularly updated with new materials as they are received. Professionals working in the field of blindness are always welcome to contact the National Federation of the Blind for any further assistance or direction required.

A blind orientation and mobility instructor teaching his student how to use the long white cane. A teacher with a blind student A blind nutritionist at work A senior woman with her long white cane

Rehabilitation

The following information will prove useful to professionals working within the field of Vocational Rehabilitation. These resources focus on NFB-sponsored rehabilitation training initiatives, organizations for rehabilitation professionals, NFB adjustment to blindness training centers, recommended readings and more.

Educators

Find a wide array of valuable information and resources designed to help teachers provide a quality education to blind and visually impaired students. Everything from advice on how to write an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to having high expectations for learners with vision loss can be found here. Investigate details about the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC).

Ophthalmologists

Most of you will understand the science relating to the eye. You will grasp the clinical causes of vision loss and be familiar with cutting-edge treatments. While our resources may occasionally focus on a new or innovative medical matter, the primary benefit to you on this page will be the literature about blindness that emphasizes the normal and successful life that blind and visually impaired people can have once they have acquired quality adjustment to blindness training. An ophthalmologist is often the first professional familiar with vision loss that blind and visually impaired people will encounter. Emphasizing early on a positive outlook on blindness will immeasurably benefit all of your patients and their families. These materials are designed to help you and your patients accept and believe that there is reason for hope and a rewarding life after vision loss. Feel free to read and share these materials widely.

Geriatric Professionals

Senior citizens disproportionately experience severe loss of their eyesight, often resulting in blindness or visual impairment. Macular degeneration and diabetes are two of the leading causes of vision loss among this population. Find information and resources for senior citizens and those who work with them that:

  • focus on adjusting to vision loss
  • explain available services
  • describe the National Organization of the Senior Blind (NOSB)
  • promote a positive image about blindness

The NFB is committed to supporting those senior citizens who will lose some or all of their vision and the professionals that work with them.