LCA and Education

Written by Amber Bobnar
Updated on January 11, 2023
graduates

How smart are patients with LCA? According to one study, they’re definitely above the US national average. Printed in the research journal Ophthalmology in March 2006 (Vol 113, No 3), Dr. Apushkin and Dr. Fishman’s study looks at the education levels of fifty-five patients with LCA. All are legally blind and most attended college.

The researchers chose fifty-five LCA patients older than 17 and with a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse. They asked each patient a range of questions and gathered information about their age, gender, race, level of education, visual function, and quality of life (poor, good, very good, or excellent).

Here’s a break down of the results: of 55 patients with LCA (24 men and 31 women):

  • Highschool Graduates: 54
  • College Graduates: 36
  • Gradschool Graduates: 15 (with 3 currently enrolled in programs)

Further, 17 rated their quality of life as excellent, 20 as very good, and 18 as good.

According to these findings, 98% of patients with LCA complete high school, 65% attain a Bachelor’s degree, and 27% continue their education beyond a Bachelor’s degree. Of the general US population, 80% complete a High School education and 24% a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Source US Census Bureau, Census 2000, www.census.gov.)

Written by Amber Bobnar
Updated on January 11, 2023

Related Posts

Whimsical illustration of a gentle bridge made of flowing lines, musical notes, and Braille dots, connecting two sides. The image suggests music and Braille coming together as a pathway for learning and inclusion.

Braille and Literacy, Music Play, Special Needs, Visual Impairment

Braille needs allies. Music can be one of them.

An inspiring look at how music can support Braille literacy, creativity, and inclusion for blind children.

A softly textured illustration of a child with closed eyes and a peaceful smile, as colorful swirling shapes represent imagination flowing around them. Floating in the swirls are simple images—a butterfly, star, tree, heart, music note, seashell, and flower—symbolizing creativity, emotion, and sensory experiences. The overall palette is warm and gentle, with pastels and soft gradients creating a dreamy, uplifting mood.

Tactile Arts and Crafts, Visual Impairment

What Does Art Feel Like? A Guide to Tactile Creativity for Blind Children

Discover how blind children explore art through touch. Learn practical ways to support tactile creativity, build early Braille literacy, and nurture imagination with hands-on projects, textures, and accessible art experiences.

Golden print letters and Braille dots flow together in a wave pattern across a green background, with musical notes accenting the design to represent the harmony between Braille and print literacy.

Braille and Literacy, Visual Impairment

Should Blind Children Learn Print Letters?

Discover why teaching both print and braille can enrich literacy for children who are blind, helping them connect with the wider world.