Visual impairment affects millions of people around the world, with significant consequences for their quality of life and social integration.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 2.2 billion people suffer from visual impairment, almost half of which could have been prevented or have not yet been treated. In France, the State is committed to promoting the inclusion of people with visual disabilities through various policies and initiatives. So where are we today in France? Let's take stock of the current situation.

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Definition and types of visual impairment

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Before we get started, let's take some time to clearly define visual impairment. It is classified into different categories according to visual acuity and visual field.

There are several degrees of vision disorders: mild, moderate, and severe visual impairment, as well as blindness.

A person with mild visual impairment maintains visual acuity between 4/10 and 6/10 after correction. She may struggle with tasks that require precise vision, such as reading small print. Moderate visual impairment induces visual acuity between 1/10 and 4/10 after correction. Everyday activities become more difficult without specific visual aids. In cases of severe visual impairment, visual acuity is less than 1/10 after correction. Sufferers often require powerful visual aids or support devices to maintain their independence. Blindness, on the other hand, is defined by a visual acuity of less than 1/20 after correction, or a visual field reduced to 10 degrees. Blind people rely heavily on technical aids and human support for their daily activities.

These classifications help to determine specific needs in terms of care and assistive devices.

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Current statistics in France

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Visual disabilities affect around 1.7 million French people, of whom 207,000 are blind and 932,000 have average vision impairment, according to data.

Blind people from France. These figures show the importance of this public health problem, which affects a large segment of the population.

The distribution by age group shows a significant increase with age. The prevalence of visual impairment increases significantly after the age of 60,

due to the aging of the population and the increase in life expectancy.

For example, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the main causes of visual acuity loss in older adults, severely affecting their visual acuity. Cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are also among the main causes.

When it comes to new births, statistics show that a blind or visually impaired person is born every 15 hours in France. This impact highlights the need for support services and early intervention for children with visual disabilities. Access to appropriate care and inclusive education is necessary for their development and social integration.

These figures highlight the extent of eye diseases in France and the need for appropriate care. They encourage continued efforts to improve the quality of life of those affected by providing them with adequate resources and support.

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Employability and visual impairment

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The unemployment rate among visually impaired people in our country is around 50%, according to Agefiph data. This statistic reveals the significant challenges that the visually impaired and blind face in the world of work. Several obstacles complicate their job search, such as the inaccessibility of online ads, the inadequacy of professional software to the needs of the visually impaired, and physical barriers in the workplace.

To address these difficulties, various initiatives and mechanisms have been put in place to improve the professional inclusion of people with visual disabilities. For example, the Ressource Handicap Formation program aims to adapt vocational training courses to the specific needs of people with disabilities, including the visually impaired and blind. In addition, specific support services provide personalized support to help overcome obstacles encountered in the workplace. These initiatives, supported by Agefiph, play a major role in promoting equal opportunities and the professional inclusion of people with visual disabilities. They make it possible to create more accessible work environments and to offer professional opportunities adapted to the abilities of each individual.

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Schooling for visually impaired children

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In France, around 10,000 blind children and 35,000 amblyopes (reduced visual acuity in one eye) attend school each year. These children are integrated into various types of educational structures to meet their specific needs.

Visually impaired children can be welcomed into regular classrooms with adapted accommodations, allowing them to follow the same curriculum as their sighted classmates. The Localized Units for School Inclusion (ULIS) offer specialized support within ordinary schools, facilitating the inclusion of students with visual disabilities. In addition, Sensory Education Institutes (IES) are exclusively dedicated to the education of children with sensory disabilities, providing them with an adapted environment and specialized educational resources.

Inclusive education is essential for the social and educational development of visually impaired children. It promotes their integration into society by allowing them to develop social and academic skills in an inclusive environment. By being educated alongside their sighted peers, these children benefit from a stimulating and diverse environment that encourages their personal development and future autonomy.

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Aid and public policies

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The State and associations play a major role in supporting people with visual disabilities. Various mechanisms are put in place to improve their quality of life and their social integration. Among them, specific allowances, such as the Disabled Adult Allowance (AAH) and the Disability Compensation Benefit (PCH), provide financial support to cover basic needs. Technical aids, such as electronic magnifiers, screen readers, and other devices, facilitate the independence of people who are visually impaired and blind.

Specialized training is another important pillar of support for the visually impaired. Training programs are available to help these individuals develop professional skills tailored to their abilities. The Homère Study and Agefiph offer resources and training to improve the professional integration of people with visual disabilities.

However, despite these efforts, needs remain unmet. The accessibility of public places and online services remains a major challenge. In addition, the lack of awareness and training for employers and educators often limits the effective inclusion of the visually impaired. The evaluation of current policies shows progress, but also highlights the need to intensify efforts to fully meet the expectations and needs of this population.

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Still a long way to go

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Current statistics highlight the extent of visual impairment in France, affecting millions of people. This data is critical to understanding the challenges and needs of this population. Despite the efforts of the State and associations, shortcomings persist, especially in terms of accessibility and inclusion. More actions and resources are needed to improve the living conditions of people with visual disabilities. Magic Sight wants to offer its support through the technology of its smart glasses.

These make it possible to improve the autonomy and quality of life of visually impaired people. To find out more about this innovation, visit our dedicated page!

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