Canadians with a seeing disability, 2017

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Release date: October 9, 2019

Infographic: Canadians with a seeing disability, 2017
Description: Canadians with a seeing disability, 2017

1.5 million or 5.4% of Canadians aged 15 years and over have a seeing disability.

Canadians with a seeing disability by sex and age groups:

  • Men - 4.5%
  • Women - 6.3%
Canadians with a seeing disability by age groups
Age groups Percent
15 to 34 years 2.60%
35 to 64 years 5.60%
65 years and over 9.70%

Of those with a seeing disability, 84% use one or more aids or assistive devices.

Top three aids and assistive devices used:

  • Eye glasses or contact lenses (77%)
  • Magnifiers (26%)
  • Large print reading materials (18%)

Of those who require vision related aids or assistive devices, 85% have all their needs met.

43 is the average age when a person with a seeing disability begins to feel limited in their daily activities.

Note: The Canadian Survey on Disability covers Canadians aged 15 years and over who experience limitations in their daily activities because of a long-term condition or health-related problem.

Source: Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017.

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