Imagine playing baseball unable to see the ball. Someone already did. People of all ages and abilities are competing in Beep Ball. There are a few differences between Beep Ball and its cousin Baseball though. The ball beeps and the bases buzz allowing participants to use sound instead of sight to play. Learn more about how Beep Ball is sweeping the nation.If you’re a Beep Ball athlete, let us know about your experience in the comments section.
"Beep Baseball Provides Opportunities for Visually Impaired Athletes"
Some people view old age and vision loss as obstacles. For 94 year old dream catcher, Pauline Lawrence, not so much. Although she has lost much of her vision, she still dreamed of riding a bicycle like she used to years ago. Recently, Pauline took her first bike ride in over 15 years. 
When the term beauty comes to mind, we think of appearance. If a person is beautiful, perhaps they have a certain physique, perfect curls or dewy skin. What does beauty mean to someone living with vision loss? The answers from four blind individuals will enlighten you. THEY are beautiful. 
In a newly published book, “Hold The Light,” author, April McGowan explores vision loss through the character of Amber who discovers that she is losing her sight at the beginning of her creative career. The book takes the reader on Amber’s journey of self discovery in pursuit of her true purpose.
As people age, many have the experience of seeing floating shadows in their eyes appropriately named eye floaters. Should this happen, a physician should be consulted. Floaters can be a sign of a benign disease. It could also be an indication of an eye disease that could lead to vision loss. If detected early, often diseases can be treated and remedied.
Since birth, Rosie has been blind. When a 2nd grade class began asking questions about blindness, their teacher invited Rosie to answer their questions. Rosie was happy to share her story and life with the inquisitive bunch who gained new perspective and understanding of the remarkable ability of the many living with vision loss.
Visits to the eye doctor and staying healthy are routine prevention measures that guard against vision loss. However, some people will face untreatable loss of vision where the effects are permanent. It can be a depressing experience initially. Mike Glenn encountered blindness brought on by diabetic retinopathy and shared his story with radio talk show host, Charity Nebbe. We are reminded that vision loss is not the end but the beginning.
As people spend more time in front of screens, dry eyes are becoming a greater concern. With the addition of smartphones and the widespread use of the internet, our lifestyle is different than it was 20 years ago. Issues associated with prolonged blue light exposure are fairly new. However, we should pay attention as continued exposure to blue light emitted from many digital devices can cause a multitude of complications for the eyes including dry eyes. Thankfully, there are a few things that we can do to restore moisture and alleviate dry eye problems.
Many people over the age of 40 experience some form of vision loss. Researchers have discovered a gene that could be responsible. This gene causes a chronic hereditary eye disease which affects night and peripheral vision. There is no cure at this time. Scientists believe that study of the gene will lead to conclusions which bring them closer to healing treatments.
For many older adults, night driving becomes more of a challenge with each passing year. There are a number of possible causes for declining night vision which include early cataract formation, glaucoma and dry eyes. Fortunately, there are surgical procedures and treatment options available. In fact many of today's solutions have the benefit of a briefer recovery time which allows patients to get back to their normal routine sooner.
Most people know that smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can lead to heart disease and cancer. However, many don't realize that sustained tobacco use can deteriorate eye health and lead to vision loss over time. Smoking also worsens diabetic retinopathy. Experts urge smokers to quit as blindness caused by tobacco consumption is often irreversible. 
Imagine a mango that offers more than sweet tropical flavor. Developed by researchers in Thailand, the Mahachanok mango packs a healthy punch. This super fruit has the potential to slow cell degeneration, reduce cancer risks and enhance eye health. What makes the Mahachanok mango so powerful is its high level of the antioxidant anthocyanin and carotenoid. Even better, this mango is not limited to the normal growing season. It can be produced past the normal April-June cut-off time of other fruits of its kind.
Danito Mondlane is an 8th grader full of courage and determination. Although blind, he has worked with coaches to learn the techniques of surfing. Danito built up his confidence by first working with a body board and practiced every week for 2 hours until he mastered his skills. He entered competitions and triumphed over his opponents to win the top position in the South African Adaptive Surfing Championship in Muizenberg. His next challenge? The International Surfing Association World Championship.
When Google glass first hit the scene in 2014, the announcement came with media buzz and excitement. However, the hype soon fizzled out as concerns were raised about security, distractedness and plain creepiness. The technology has recently been relaunched as smart glasses, a tool used to help the blind navigate their surroundings. The glasses do not correct vision but rather connects the user to a live sighted agent that can see through the glasses and communicate with the user through a headset.
We know Judi Dench from movies such as Philomena and Shakespeare in Love. Today, the multiple Academy Award nominee is living with a few limitations that come with macular degeneration. She's made some adjustments and says she will start using audio books. The actress has not let the disease stop her from doing what she loves.Look for Ms. Dench this September as Queen Victoria in the film Victoria and Abdul. She will also appear alongside Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz as Princess Dragomiroff in Murder on the Orient Express coming to the big screen in November.
Nearly all of us have been touched by Alzheimer's disease in some way. According to the Alzheimer's Association approximately 5 million Americans have been diagnosed. This number is expected to increase to 16 million by 2050. With Alzheimer's disease as the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, researchers have been on the hunt for ways to detect the disease earlier. Recent findings indicate that an eye scan can catch the disease before an individual experiences any symptoms. 
News media did a great job warning us of the damaging effects that improper viewing of the eclipse could have. Now that it's over, some have been posting on social media that they are feeling off or having headaches and other symptoms. While we usually do not experience the symptoms of eye damage right away, there are a few warning signs that we can look out for.
When Steve Walker began to notice symptoms of a rare eye disease, he never imagined that one day that he would live with severely limited vision. As the disease progressed and more of Steve's vision was lost, instead of losing hope, he trained for triathlons which made him aware of the inner strength he possessed. He began to see blindness similar to other obstacles that he had already overcome in bootcamp. Mr. Walker has competed in dozens of triathlons. Additionally, he is a 2 time Ironman competitor and is currently pursuing a degree in psychology. Nothing can hold him back.
Driving is part of a daily routine that few of us give much thought tot. However, many who live with vision loss have lost driving privileges too. Chip Sheehan, founded a driving school in Maryland that provides standard driver's ed to high school students but also offers a one day, course that gives blind students a confidence boost and a chance to get behind the wheel. 
A study found that drinking coffee can lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in seniors. Since there are over 200,000 new cases of AMD diagnosed in the United States each year, this news gives hope to many who would like to prevent the disease from stealing their sight.
Experts suggest that setting your kids up for a successful school year should include making sure that they can see the whiteboard and read from their text books. An eye exam is the best way to ensure good vision health. There are other things parents can do to protect little peepers.
Those who live with vision loss, are often excluded from using everyday appliances. The Talking Laundry module was developed as a result of one person’s desire to have appliances speak their settings. The device, developed by 14 year old, Jack DuPlessis, gives voice to GE washers and dryers making them accessible to the blind and visually impaired.
Visual impairment is increasing at an alarming rate. As our population ages, the numbers will likely continue to go up unless a significant investment is made in the treatment of eye disease. It is believed that investing in research, interventions and remedies makes good economic sense as it creates the opportunity for to return to the workforce. Without treatment, vision loss often correlates with job loss.
Sixteen year old Kavya Kopparapu is an extraordinary young scientist who worked with a team of her peers to invent a simple and cost effective method for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease which is often a complication of diabetes. Her passion grew out of her concern and love for her grandfather who developed diabetic retinopathy and subsequently suffered significant vision loss. With the desire to change this familiar outcome for many living with diabetes, the young scientist began her research.
Many of today's consumers are choosing online shopping over traditional. With that, businesses are expected to serve all people which includes making their website accessible to everyone. In fact, Title III of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) takes a stand against discrimination toward people with disabilities. While a number of businesses and organizations have made modifications to their physical structure to ensure accessibility, many are lagging when it comes to making their website accessible to the visually impaired. There have been a staggering 260 website accessibility lawsuits filed in 2016. This number is expected to increase in 2017. 
Avocados have become quite famous. Just check Instagram. You're bound to be hit with a picture of avocado toast, guacamole or maybe an avocado tattoo. Celebrities, foodies and wellness bloggers alike simply can't get enough of this super fruit. Avocados are known for performing the miraculous such as lowering cholesterol, controlling blood sugar and even supplying high performance intrauterine nutrition. Incorporating avocado into your diet can even improve eye health. As we age, eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts become troublesome villains. If claims are true, avocados could be the weapon that will keep enemy forces at bay.
Big Dog is not a dog at all. He's a blind man doing what he feels he was created to do - supporting and connecting with others who live with vision loss. He began losing his sight in 1968 due to a firecracker accident. Years later, he eventually lost his sight completely. Mr. Abell's friends, affectionately call him Big Dog and attach the description of fun loving boot wearing cowboy who happens to be blind. Big Dog lives life with incredible drive and purpose, counseling others to enjoy the journey in spite of low vision or blindness. 
Perhaps the greatest obstacle for blind and visually-impaired people is not their disability at all, but the ignorance of others. Even when sighted people are well meaning, they can make assumptions that can make the lives of blind and visually-impaired people and their loved ones harder.
The number of people who suffer vision loss due to retinal disease continues to grow. In fact, the effects of age related macular degeneration are experienced by 11 million people in the U.S alone. One study indicates that this number will double by 2040. However, development of a new retinal implant inserted behind the eye’s retina, is showing promise. Scientists expect human testing of these bio-inspired retinal implants to be successful offering hope to those facing vision loss from retinal disease.
For nearly his entire life, Grandpa Hal had been an artist. He created his pieces using traditional methods that engaged the simplicity of paintbrushes, pencil and paper. At the age of 82, amazing his family members and even himself, he learned to use Microsoft Paint to produce art with his computer mouse.
Every day, new apps are being introduced to help those who are visually impaired and blind in a multitude of tasks. 
Dolphin Computer Access has launched GuideReader, a device that helps those who are blind and low vision by giving easier access to books, magazines and newspapers from around the world.
A new technology emerges as the Cars 3 movie premieres this summer.
Using old knowledge, a group has given one runner the ability to train without a guide. 
Some university students in Croatia noticed that visually impaired children weren’t given the same educational opportunities as many sighted children. They sat down and decided to do something about it.
If you are a fan of podcasts, you should definitely give 
Mark Mothersbaugh is known for his musical talents, but he’s also been cultivating other artistic skills. Myopia has made him legally blind, but it hasn’t decreased his abilities.
Here’s a 
A scientist has taken another look at echolocation and how visually impaired humans can, and do, use it to navigate. Some use the tapping of their canes to practice echolocation, while others make clicking or shushing noises to do so.
A federal judge ruled that Winn-Dixie violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not making its website available to blind and visually impaired individuals even though the ADA doesn’t specifically deal with websites. Because Winn-Dixie’s website is an extension of its physical locations, the judge ruled in the favor of the visually impaired man who sued.
Theaters around the world are slowly catching on the idea of accessibility for the visually impaired, people with autism and the hearing impaired.
This is a 
“We're not suing for damages. We're only suing them to follow the laws that have been in this nation for 27 years,” says the lawyer in the case against Winn-Dixie, a grocery chain in multiple states.
If you’re musically inclined but can’t see to read sheet music, this video may be encouraging.
Bryce Weiler loves sports, especially baseball though he has never seen the game played. This hasn’t stopped him from becoming a baseball announcer.
Many of us have heard of, or know someone who has experienced traumatic brain injury. It is a well-recognized consequence of some of the events that occur during military conflict. What is less well known is that over 80% of combat veterans with traumatic brain injury also deal with some sort of visual impairment that may develop after the injury.
A new camera allows for quick social sharing and comes in a variety of trendy colors. But that’s not the coolest part of this newly released camera. Beyond the regular photos that the camera captures, it also records audio and haptic memories with short audio clips. It also features a Braille screen that uses tactile graphics to allow users to feel objects and vibrant colors to know what to focus the lens on.
A new device has been created to help people learn Braille. Named Read Read, it “allows independent learning through the same manipulative-based instruction teachers use to teach children how to read Braille.” Sturdy Braille tiles printed on metal help those who are learning feel the differences. A voice will tell students what letter is being touched when requested.
Visually impaired as a young child, this man didn’t participate in most sports and team activities. Instead he focused on music. Starting with the piano and moving on to the cello, Jeffrey Lastrapes now plays professionally and teaches others.
A device is being used that enables blind people to “see” things using their tongue. Made of two different parts, a camera feeds information to a small plastic piece that is inserted into the mouth. Using haptic feedback, users receive information on the terrain in front of them.