Low vision tools and help
Everyday tools, apps and organizations, and how to ask for a low vision evaluation.
Resources
Tools and help for people who are blind or have low vision
Start with our guides, written in plain language. Below them you will find apps, reading services, organizations and the accessibility tools already built into your phone and computer.
Our guides
Longer guides we wrote for people living with vision loss and the people who support them.
Eye conditions in plain language
What common eye conditions are and how they can affect sight.
Glossary, A to Z
Words about vision, eye care and assistive technology, in plain language.
Social Security disability
How disability benefits work when vision loss keeps you from working.
Research and clinical trials
How to follow vision research and what to ask before joining a study.
Staying safe online
The warning signs of scams and what to do if something goes wrong.
Looking for a quick answer? See Questions.
Apps that describe the world
Two well-known free apps that use your phone camera. More tools are on the low vision tools page.
Be My Eyes
Connects people who are blind or have low vision with sighted volunteers by live video, for everyday tasks like reading a label or finding something that fell.
Seeing AI
A Microsoft app that uses the camera to read printed text aloud and describe what is in front of you.
Reading and learning
National Library Service (NLS)
The Library of Congress program that provides braille and audio books to eligible readers who cannot read standard print.
Low vision information
A plain-language overview of low vision from the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.
Organizations worth knowing
American Foundation for the Blind
A national nonprofit with information, research and advocacy on blindness and low vision.
National Federation of the Blind
A national organization of blind people, with resources on technology, employment, education and rights.
Your rights
The Americans with Disabilities Act website explains accessibility rights in public places, work and services.
Already on your phone and computer
Devices come with accessibility tools built in. You do not have to buy anything extra to start.
iPhone and iPad
VoiceOver reads the screen aloud. Zoom and Magnifier enlarge what you see. Voice Control lets you operate the device by speaking, and Display and Text Size settings change text, contrast and color.
Android phones
TalkBack reads the screen aloud and lets you move by touch. Magnification, Select to Speak and Voice Access help if you use some vision or prefer to talk to your phone.
Windows and Mac computers
Narrator is the screen reader built into Windows and VoiceOver is built into the Mac. NVDA is a free, open-source screen reader for Windows.
Not sure which setting does what? That is what our accessible technology sessions are for.
These links go to other organizations. Open Eyes is not part of them unless we say so, and a link is not an endorsement. If a link has moved, tell us and we will fix it.