Guidelines for setting up a low vision programme for children.

Blindness and low vision are major causes of morbidity and have profound effects on the quality of life for many people. They inhibit mobility and economic well-being of the individuals affected as well as their families. Childhood blindness (CBL) is one of the challenges faced by the world generally and developing countries in particular. In industrialised countries, certain mechanisms for normal schooling and socio-economic rehabilitation of visually impaired children exist. However, in developing countries due to scarce resources and traditional taboos, these children are rarely able to attend the normal educational institutions. Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, has recognised CBL and low vision and refraction as important strategic themes for control of avoidable blindness. This paper attempts to provide some guidelines on how a low vision programme for children could be set up in a developing country.