March is a month of celebration and awareness at Ensight Skills Center. As we honor Women’s History Month and Save Your Vision Month, we’re reminded of the incredible progress made in vision care, accessibility, and the empowerment of individuals with visual impairments.

A hand holds up a pair of brown-framed eyeglasses against a blurred green outdoor background, with a lush forest scene in sharp focus through the lens.

Throughout history, women with visual impairments have shattered barriers and transformed society’s understanding of blindness and low vision. Women’s History Month gives us the chance to celebrate these female trailblazers who have advanced accessibility, education, and independence for people with vision loss.

Black and white portrait photograph of Helen Keller seated in a wooden chair, holding a large magnolia flower and leaves in her hands, wearing an embroidered blouse and checkered skirt with a pendant necklace.

Helen Keller: A Legacy of Advocacy

No discussion of women in blindness history would be complete without Helen Keller. Born in 1880 and rendered deaf-blind by illness at 19 months old, Keller became the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her tireless advocacy helped establish numerous organizations that support people with visual impairments, and her legacy continues to inspire adaptive education programs worldwide—including the work we do at Ensight Skills Center.

Dr. Haben Girma: Modern-Day Disability Rights Champion

The first deaf-blind graduate of Harvard Law School, Haben Girma, is a leading disability rights lawyer and advocate who has worked to advance accessibility in technology, education, and public spaces. Her work demonstrates that with proper skills training and adaptive technologies, individuals with visual impairments can achieve remarkable success in any field.

Women in Optometry and Vision Science

Women have also made significant contributions to vision science and optometry. From Dr. Patricia Bath, who invented laser cataract surgery, to the countless female optometrists and vision rehabilitation specialists advancing low vision care today, women continue to shape how we understand and treat visual impairments.

A woman in a white top presents a pair of dark-framed eyeglasses at an eye care clinic, with a Snellen vision chart in the background

Save Your Vision Month: Essential Eye Health Tips for Everyone

Save Your Vision Month, observed every March by the American Optometric Association, reminds us all to prioritize our eye health. Whether you have perfect vision or live with visual impairment, taking proactive steps to protect your eyes is crucial.

Schedule Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams

Many eye diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular eye examinations can detect these conditions early when treatment is most effective. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends:

• Adults ages 20-39: Every 5-10 years

• Adults ages 40-54: Every 2-4 years

• Adults ages 55-64: Every 1-3 years

• Adults 65 and older: Every 1-2 years

Protect Your Eyes from Digital Eye Strain

In our digital age, many people spend hours daily looking at computer screens, tablets, and smartphones. This can lead to computer vision syndrome, characterized by dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Additionally, ensure your screen is positioned about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level.

Maintain a Healthy Diet for Eye Health

Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining good vision. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E may help ward off age-related vision problems. Include leafy greens, fish, eggs, nuts, and citrus fruits in your diet to support long-term eye health.

Wear Proper Eye Protection

UV radiation can damage your eyes and increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation whenever you’re outdoors. If you work in environments with potential eye hazards, always use appropriate safety eyewear.

At Ensight Skills Center, we work closely with vision care professionals to ensure our clients receive comprehensive services. Whether you’re experiencing recent vision loss or have been living with visual impairment for years, connecting with the right eye care team is essential for maximizing your remaining vision and accessing appropriate rehabilitation services.

This March, as we celebrate the achievements of women in history, the importance of vision care, and the dedication of optometry professionals, we’re reminded that with the right support and training, anything is possible.

Contact Ensight Skills Center today to learn more about our comprehensive vision rehabilitation services. Together, we can help you achieve greater independence and quality of life.

To stay connected and up to date on the latest opportunities and success stories, we encourage you to follow Ensight across all our social media platforms. Visit Ensight Skill Center’s Homepage for a comprehensive overview of our programs, sign up for our Newsletter, and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to gain access to valuable resources, inspiring stories, and updates on all of our upcoming events.

Frequently Asked Questions: Low Vision Awareness

What is low vision?

Low vision is a significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It’s not the same as blindness—people with low vision have some remaining sight, but it’s not sufficient for everyday tasks without assistance or adaptive strategies.

What causes low vision?

Low vision can result from various eye conditions and diseases, including:

Macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Diabetic retinopathy
Cataracts
Retinitis pigmentosa
Eye injuries or trauma
Other hereditary or age-related conditions

How common is low vision?

Low vision affects millions of people worldwide. The risk increases with age, making it particularly prevalent among older adults, though people of all ages can experience low vision.

Why does Ensight highlight women during Women’s History Month?

Women have historically played pivotal roles in advancing accessibility, vision science, and disability rights. Celebrating their contributions raises awareness of the broader movement toward independence and inclusion for people with visual impairments — values central to Ensight’s mission.

Q: When is Save Your Vision Month?

Save Your Vision Month is observed every March and is promoted by the American Optometric Association (AOA). It encourages people to prioritize eye health through regular exams and protective habits.

Q: How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following schedule:

• Ages 20–39: Every 5–10 years

• Ages 40–54: Every 2–4 years

• Ages 55–64: Every 1–3 years

• Ages 65+: Every 1–2 years

Q: What is computer vision syndrome, and how can I prevent it?

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition caused by prolonged screen use, leading to dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. The 20-20-20 rule is highly effective for prevention: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Additionally, position your screen about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level.

Q: What foods support good eye health?

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E can help protect against age-related vision problems. Foods to prioritize include leafy greens (spinach, kale), fatty fish (salmon, sardines), eggs, nuts, and citrus fruits.

Q: What kind of sunglasses should I wear to protect my eyes?

Look for sunglasses that block 99–100% of both UVA and UVB radiation. UV exposure increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration over time. If you work in environments with physical eye hazards, always wear appropriate protective eyewear.

Q: Which eye diseases can develop without obvious early symptoms?

Several serious eye conditions can progress silently, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is why regular comprehensive eye exams are so important — early detection allows for the most effective treatment.

Q: Who does Ensight Skills Center serve?

Ensight Skills Center serves individuals of all ages who are experiencing vision loss, whether recent or long-standing. Services are designed to help clients maximize their remaining vision and regain independence in daily life.

Q: What kind of services does Ensight offer?

Ensight provides comprehensive vision rehabilitation services, working closely with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other vision care professionals. Services include adaptive skills training, assistive technology support, and resources to help clients achieve greater independence and quality of life.

Q: How do I get started with Ensight Skills Center?

You can contact Ensight Skills Center directly to learn more about available services and how to begin the intake process. Whether you are newly experiencing vision loss or have been living with visual impairment for years, the team can connect you with the right resources and support.

Sources & References

The following sources were consulted in the preparation of this blog post:

1. American Optometric Association. “Save Your Vision Month.” AOA.org. https://www.aoa.org

2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Comprehensive Eye Exams: How Often?” AAO.org. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eye-exams-101

3. AFB – American Foundation for the Blind. “Helen Keller Biography.” AFB.org. https://www.afb.org/about-afb/history/helen-keller

4. Haben Girma. “About Haben.” HabenGirma.com. https://habengirma.com/about

5. National Inventors Hall of Fame. “Dr. Patricia Bath.” Invent.org. https://www.invent.org/inductees/patricia-bath

6. National Eye Institute. “Diabetic Retinopathy.” NEI.NIH.gov. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy

7. National Eye Institute. “Age-Related Macular Degeneration.” NEI.NIH.gov. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration

8. American Optometric Association. “Computer Vision Syndrome.” AOA.org. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome

9. National Eye Institute. “Healthy Eyes: Diet and Nutrition.” NEI.NIH.gov. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-habits/keep-your-eyes-healthy

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For more information about vision loss support services, rehabilitation, and community resources, contact the Ensight Skills Center or consult with your eye care professional.