ABSTRACT
This chapter defines the terms ‘visual impairment’, ‘blindness’ and ‘low vision’, and examines development implications of visual impairment. I consider estimates of the prevalence of visual impairment. The chapter outlines some causes of visual impairment and gives examples of types of visual impairment such as errors of refraction. Identification and assessment are considered with regard to the assessment of vision and assessment for education (although the two are of course related). Provision is then discussed with reference to such factors as low vision devices, Braille and hands-on experiences. The chapter concludes with a consideration of visual impairment and multiple disability.
