Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB)

How do overlapping identities like language, culture, or immigration status shape the experiences of people who are blind or have low vision?

The Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) invites submissions for a special issue that will examine how human characteristics and social factors influence the unique experiences of people who are blind or have low vision and highlight educational advancements and innovations that aim to improve outcomes for students with vision loss.

Guest Editor Madeline Milian, EdD, welcomes papers that include innovative research, descriptions of effective practices, conceptual works, and short reports. Submissions using quantitative, qualitative, case study, or mixed methods approaches, as well as international contributions, are encouraged.

The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2027. Learn more and submit: https://www.afb.org/news-publications/publications/jvib/authors/calls-papers/2027-special-issue-intersectionality

During , we’re highlighting the connection between vision loss and mental health.

New data in AFB’s Statistical Snapshots shows that across nearly all age groups, older adults who have difficulty seeing report poorer mental health outcomes than their sighted peers. While serious psychological distress is reported more frequently among people with vision difficulty, it remains uncommon overall.

These findings highlight the importance of understanding and supporting mental health among older adults with vision loss.

Now updated with 2024 data, Statistical Snapshots also includes insights from the National Health Interview Survey on mental health and mobility among older adults with and without vision disabilities.

Explore AFB's Statistical Snapshots: www.afb.org/stats

Are you 55 or older and have experienced changes in your vision within the last five years?

We are seeking participants to better understand how older adults adjust to vision changes and what services can help.

Participants can choose a 60-minute interview or a 90-minute focus group, offered in person or online.

This study will close on May 31. Learn more and sign up: www.afb.org/agingstudy

The American Foundation for the Blind is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Corinne Kirchner Research Award.

Established in 2007, the award honors longtime AFB staff member Corinne Kirchner, Ph.D., whose research set a benchmark for the field of blindness and low vision and advanced expectations around demographic data, program outcomes, and trends affecting people who are blind or have low vision.

The award recognizes research that employs a novel approach or explores a new area of inquiry with the potential to inform policy or systems change. Qualified candidates are individuals or research teams whose recent, peer-reviewed work makes significant contributions to the field. Research reflecting innovative methods or inquiries will receive favorable consideration.

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern.

Learn more and submit a nomination: https://afb.org/get-involved/annual-conference-awards/corinne-kirchner-research-award/2026-nominations

Did you know that 9 million adults in America are blind or have serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses? A total of 49.5 million Americans have difficulty seeing, ranging from mild challenges to complete blindness.

You can find this data and much more in AFB’s newly updated Statistical Snapshots, your go-to source for the latest facts, figures, and resources on vision loss in the U.S. Now updated with 2024 data, including new insights from the National Health Interview Survey on mobility and mental health among older adults with and without vision disabilities.

Explore AFB's Statistical Snapshots at www.afb.org/stats