Sherry Day
Kellogg Eye Center
Impact of Vision Impairment in the Workplace
My presentation is connected to the following theme
Applied research & innovation in Eye Hospitals
5 key short sentences highlighting the essence of my presentation
- Vision impairment creates challenges for employees in the workplace
- Anonymous survey provided to employed adult patients in LV clinic with 20/60 or worse
- In addition to vision measures, data collected included education level, employment status, salary
- Statistics presented include VI affecting job performance, promotion, discrimination, mobility and transportation limitations, use of LV devices
- Employees’ feedback
Summary
This study surveyed employed adults with visual impairment (VI) receiving low vision rehabilitation at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center to better understand workplace challenges from workers’ perspectives. Participants had best-corrected distance acuity of 20/60 or worse and completed an anonymous written survey after appointments with an optometrist and occupational therapist.
Respondents averaged 47.7 years old; 63% were female. Most worked full-time (80%), and 13% were self-employed. Average visual acuity in the better eye was 20/100, and many reported worsening vision during their working years. Despite ADA protections, 70% reported workplace discrimination related to VI, while 22% said their employer was unaware of their impairment. Most participants (87%) felt vision loss affected work performance, and 20% reported a moderate or significant effect on promotions. Transportation and mobility were also common barriers.
Workplace adaptations were widely used: 83% used computer adaptations, and 70% used low vision devices such as magnifiers, telescopes, or electronic magnification. However, 53% purchased devices themselves, while fewer received support from rehabilitation services or employers. Overall, the findings highlight persistent workplace barriers, discrimination, and financial burdens for employees with VI, emphasizing the need for better accommodations and direct feedback from visually impaired workers.
Respondents averaged 47.7 years old; 63% were female. Most worked full-time (80%), and 13% were self-employed. Average visual acuity in the better eye was 20/100, and many reported worsening vision during their working years. Despite ADA protections, 70% reported workplace discrimination related to VI, while 22% said their employer was unaware of their impairment. Most participants (87%) felt vision loss affected work performance, and 20% reported a moderate or significant effect on promotions. Transportation and mobility were also common barriers.
Workplace adaptations were widely used: 83% used computer adaptations, and 70% used low vision devices such as magnifiers, telescopes, or electronic magnification. However, 53% purchased devices themselves, while fewer received support from rehabilitation services or employers. Overall, the findings highlight persistent workplace barriers, discrimination, and financial burdens for employees with VI, emphasizing the need for better accommodations and direct feedback from visually impaired workers.