Low vision information

The EBU video 'Low Vision - Impact and Action' is now online. This awareness raising video on low vision and its impact, is part of EBU´s campaign for dedicated low vision services in Europe to be available to every partially sighted person in need of support.

EBU Low vision, impact and action. There is also a transcript of the video content (word file)

A short version of the above video is also available, with a transcript.

The EBU Low Vision Conference 2018. LOW VISION Services, a global right, setting the standards in Europe

In Slovenia (June 14th - 17th) for the very first time EBU hosted a conference with a specific focus on "low vision". The aim at this event was to bring together stakeholders with a particular interest in low vision, and dedicated low vision services, either through their work in rehabilitation/ophthalmology or related fields, or by having lived experience of low vision. Visit the conference page for more information.

Low Vision related documents available:

  • The toolkit Implementing standards for LOW VISION SERVICES in Europe (pdf file) - with examples and references which will be useful when undertaking action nationally to promote and lobby for high level low vision services to be made available and accessible to everyone with sight loss in need of support.
  • The EBU brochure 'Minimum standards for low vision services in Europe' (pdf file 4.5 MO) to download.
  • The EBU clear print guidelines in pdf format. (January 2017). These guidelines are intended to assist all organisations, companies and individuals who want to make their documents accessible. The document offers basic principles with good practice examples that you can easily apply in all your printed and electronic communication activities. Making your texts accessible benefits people with sight loss as well as a far wider audience: the general public. By implementing the principles of Inclusive Design (also called Universal Design) you too can make an important contribution to a more accessible and inclusive society! The guidelines are also available in German, and Lithuanian (pdf files July, 2017)

There are far greater numbers of people with partial sight than with blindness. The solutions and measures needed for people with partial sight are often quite different from those for blind people. EBU raises awareness on the specific needs of persons with partial sight as well as on the many different forms of partial sight and the implication in the daily life of so many Europeans.

Low vision aids, such as magnifying equipment and Closed Circuit Television are important tools that make life easier for partially sighted persons. EBU promotes the different guidelines related to accessibility and partial sight. Many partially sighted persons fall under the category of people losing sight as they grow older.

Partial sight and low vision: two names for same condition.

See also: our list of low vision sites in the useful links page