In short: Vision Support India (VSI) is a national, not-for-profit community of and for people with low vision. It is led by its members and hosted by Beyond Eyes Foundation.
Why a low vision community is needed
Millions of people in India live with low vision. Many are told "nothing more can be done" and are sent home without knowing that aids, training, technology and other people's experience could make daily life much easier. Families often do not know where to turn. People who are not fully blind can also fall between services designed for blindness and services for everyone else.
[TO CONFIRM: a few sentences on how and when VSI started, and by whom.]
VSI exists so that nobody with low vision in India has to work it all out alone.
Low vision, explained simply
Low vision means sight loss that glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery cannot fully correct. Most people with low vision still have useful sight, but find everyday things harder: reading print, recognising faces, using a phone, crossing a road, or seeing well in dim light or bright sun.
It can come from many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, optic nerve conditions, or conditions present from birth. It can happen at any age. Two people with the same condition can see very differently.
What VSI is
- A community. People with low vision and their families supporting each other.
- Member-led. Members shape what we do and elect the Core Committee.
- Practical. We share what works: techniques, technology, rights and services.
- A connector. We point people to the right experts and services.
- For all of India. Online, by phone and WhatsApp, and in local groups.
What VSI is not
- Not a medical service. We do not diagnose or treat eye conditions, and members' experiences are not medical advice. Always ask your eye doctor about your eyes.
- Not selling anything. We never recommend products because we are paid to. See our disclaimer.
- Not only for people who are blind. VSI is for people with low vision, though everyone is welcome.