Understanding the impact of visual impairments can make a difference to the outcomes of children who are blind or partially sighted.

How many children are blind and partially sighted?

There are an estimated 40,000 children and young people aged up to 25 in the UK with a vision impairment of sufficient severity to require specialist support. Of these, approximately 25,000 are under 16.

Most blind and partially sighted children and young people are born with their vision impairment. Approximately two thirds of children with severe vision impairment and blindness are diagnosed before their first birthday. The single most common cause of vision impairment in children is cerebral vision impairment. Children at most risk of severe vision impairment or blindness are those who are born pre-term and of very low birth weight, from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, or of South Asian origin.

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