Rehabilitation of the Severely Visually Impaired and the Blind in a Developing Country

Blind individuals whether from birth or after being sighted for different periods of their lives constitute about 1% of the Nigerian population. These are individuals who can meaningfully contribute to the growth and development of society if properly guided. However, the traditional way of thinking within the society they find themselves in contributes to their lack of productivity. From birth to adulthood, they need to be guided and consciously prepared for independence. This is not yet widely obtainable in Nigerian society and other developing societies and generally may result in rejection, neglect, and high mortality rates in those affected with the majority unemployed sometimes for up to 10-15 years. It is imperative to offer comprehensive rehabilitation services that can assist this group of individuals to assert/reassert control and independence by designing a program tailored to meet their individual needs (not forgetting those who become blind as adults). A regional center, The Lens Rehabilitation center for the blind and severely visually impaired (TLEC ReHab Nig) located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria has put together a comprehensive program to ensure all round preparedness for independent, productive and fruitful living for persons living with blindness in line with best practices. This is an initial report on the outcome.