What is Ocular Albinism? - Q & A about the condition that inspired the founding of VOC.
What is Myopia? - EyeWiki Article originally contributed by Ophthalmologist and VOC Board Member, Greg Ostrow, M.D.
Genetic Testing: Is This My Path to a Diagnosis? - PDF
How are Retinal Diseases Inherited? - Some basic genetics principles that help us understand heredity.
OMLAB - Education about Nystagmus
A Guide to Students with Visual Disabilities - Resources for college students
Global Genes - One of the leading rare disease patient advocacy organizations in the world.
Texas School for the Blind - Selected resources
Center for Disease Control - Improving the Nation's Vision Health
Ultimate Guide for Blind & Visually Impaired College Students - Resources for selecting a college
Online Resources
There are numerous sources for information and support available for Family Network Members. Here are some useful organizations listed in alphabetical order:
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
The American Association of People with Disabilities(AAPD) organizes the disability community to be a powerful force for change-politically, socially, and ecnomically- and recognizes the value of working in broad coalitions to foster unity, leadership, and impact.
Albinismo News
Albinism information and resources in Italian.
All About Vision
This Web site was launched in January of 2000 to provide consumers with an independent source of trustworthy information on eye health and vision correction options.
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS)
Sponsored by the national association of children’s eye doctors, this Web site has information about eye conditions and treatments. There is also searchable database of members to locate a specialist.
American Blind Skiing Foundation
ABSF offers visually impaired children and adults opportunities to experience alpine or downhill skiing. The organization offers other sports activities and events to members.
American Council of the Blind
ACB brings together the low-vision community by organizing state and special interest affiliates.
American Council of Blind Students (ACBS)
ACBS is the student affiliate of American Council of the Blind, and works to advocate for, and advance educational opportunities for blind and visually impaired high school, college and university students.
American Foundation for the Blind
An advocacy group, ABF removes barriers, creates solutions and expands possibilities so that people with vision loss can achieve their potential.
American Printing House for the Blind
APH promotes independence of the visually impaired and blind by providing specialized materials and services. Check out http://www.fredshead.info, a blog with tips, techniques and resources for and by the blind.
Asociacion de ayuda a personas con albinismo
Albinism information and resources in Spanish.
BiOptic Driving Network
Information about BTS (Bioptic Telescope System) that permits some individuals with low vision to obtain drivers’ licenses; also includes state-specific information about driving tests.
Blind Children’s Center
Los Angeles agency that serves young children with vision impairments, stressing early intervention techniques. Web site includes resources and books.
Blind Stokers Club
A group that offers the pleasures of recreational cycling with those who cannot see well enough to pilot a bike. Based in San Diego, they effort to match interested tandem cyclists anywhere.
If you have a loved one who has a disability it’s only natural that you would look out for their well-being. And while you would likely prefer to be with them at all times, stepping away from your job and other responsibilities may not be feasible. In the instances where you have to leave your loved one home alone, there are quite a few ways you can keep them safe.
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Organization that offers opportunities and support for people with disabilities who wish to participate in sports and competitive athletics.
“At College Degrees Online, you will find online degree programs in the United States, sourced by data from the US Department of Education, NCES, every accrediting board in the US, the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. In our database, we have over 2,400 different colleges with online degrees at some level. On this website, the best way to find an online degree is to either: search by state or search by degree program area. If you are trying to figure out what career path you want to take, you might consider viewing the highest paying career guide or the highest paying degrees.”
Communications is an emerging program area for universities across the United States to bring to an online format. The Online Masters in Communications has quickly become one of the top programs for those within communications.
EyeSmart
Web site offering eye health information sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In addition to a database searchable by disease, the site offers “Ask an Eye MD” and has a function to locate eye doctors by zip code.
Family Center on Technology and Disability
Funded by the US Dept. of Education, FCTD supports organizations and families of children with disabilities with fact sheets, resources, databases, and newsletters.
Foundation Fighting Blindness
A charitable organization that has raised over $500M to fund research to prevent and treat vision-related conditions; offers information on emerging research efforts.
Genetic Alliance
Non-profit that provides advocacy and education concerning genetic diseases. Useful database with information about inherited disorders.
Individualized Education Programs
Guide from the US Dept. of Education to assist parents and educators about implementing the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for IEPs. Also see for information on specific topics.
Albinism Center
Based at Univ. of Minnesota Medical Center, this Center focuses on research, clinical care and support for families affected by albinism.
KidsHealth
An extensive on-line resource for separate information portals for parents, teens and kids relating to general health and illnesses, education and parenting.
Learning Ally (Formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic)
National non-profit that provides audio versions of classroom textbooks, enabling students of any age to Learn through Listening.
Lighthouse International
NYC based organization provides information and services to those with low vision. The Lighthouse sells products through its on-line Low Vision Store.
Lions Clubs International
Community service organization with special dedication to the needs of those with low vision. Lions Clubs support vision screenings, eyeglass recycling, guide dogs, and other programs. The Web site includes a locator to find local and international clubs.
National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research
NAEVR is a non-profit advocacy group that encourages public education and funding for vision-related research.
National Beep Baseball Association
The adaptive version of America’s favorite pastime for the blind and visually impaired; sponsors tournaments and leagues.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
Funded by the US Dept. of Education, this is a clearinghouse for information related to disabilities in children. Resources are listed by state and condition, includes useful information about IEPs.
National Eye Institute
NIH center whose mission is to protect and prolong eyesight of Americans. Website has information on diseases as well as treatments, current research, and relevant news.
National Federation of the Blind
Membership organization for the blind and visually impaired; offers publications, resources and news for the low vision community.
National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
A Library of Congress program that offers a free Braille books and talking books (audio material) to those with visual disabilities.
National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
Membership organization that offers information, support and conferences to those impacted by albinism and related conditions.
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Non-profit that offers information about many of the 7,000 orphan diseases (those that affect less than 200,000 Americans). Provides diagnosis and treatment information for rare disorders.
National Rehabilitation Information Center
Web site maintained by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (US Dept. of Education) that provides listings for services and resources for the disabled, including a searchable database for Blindness/Visual Disorders.
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians
Information and referrals for visually impaired music students, a library of audio and Braille music textbooks, and network of low vision musicians.
National Society of Genetic Counselors
Information about genetic testing and counseling services. Web site provides locator for members by state.
Navigating College With Visual Impairments
By combining the results of all of the most reputable college ranking publishers and thousands of real student reviews from around the web, College Consensus provides the most accurate and comprehensive ranking of a school's reputation and quality available anywhere.
Office of Rare Diseases Research
NIH Center with information and resources for families and researchers interested in rare diseases: includes links to publications, genetic information, and clinical trials.
Prevent Blindness America
Volunteer organization dedicated to saving sight through education and vision screenings, and advocacy for eye health through public awareness and legislation.
Scholarships & Resources for Students with Visual Disabilities An online guide showcasing 20 scholarship opportunities (including many in the healthcare field) that can make all the difference in affording college. Also provided is a list of valuable academic and career resources that students with visual disabilities can use to maximize their success during and after college.
Second Sense (Formerly Guild for the Blind)
Located in Chicago, Second Sense helps individuals with vision loss realize their potential, offering resources, classes, and events for those with vision impairments.
Ski for Light
A non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life for the visually impaired through cross country skiing and other winter sports outings.
United States Association of Blind Athletes
Part of the US Olympic Committee, the USABA provides opportunities to participate in various sports and athletic competitions for its vision-impaired members.
United States Blind Golfers Association
Non-profit that sponsors a national championship for vision impaired golfers, promotes golf among the low vision community and provides information on training and coaching blind golf.
US Insurance Agents A guide for college students with disabilities that includes their own resource links for college specific help.
Visually Impaired Information Center
Provides a resource guide with listings of services, organizations, and activities available to those with visual impairment: includes information on camps and appropriate toys.
WonderBaby.org
A project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, WonderBaby.org is dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. You'll find a database of articles written by parents who want to share with others what they've learned about playing with and teaching a blind child, as well as links to meaningful resources and ways to connect with other families.
We Connect Now
We Connect Now is dedicated to uniting people interested in rights and issues affecting people with disabilities, with particular emphasis on college students and access to higher education and employment issues.