The term "low vision" is often poorly understood, which may partly account for a new context in which it has appeared in the media. Most states have concealed weapon permits to any adult citizen who can pass various tests and extensive background checks. Recently, controversy flared when it became known that permits have been issued to persons who are low vision. News stories have quoted anti-gun lobbyists who feel that this a terrible problem.
These handicapped permit holders are being hit with a double dose of discrimination. Not only are they treated differently because of their handicap, they are also stigmatized as gun owners.
Many persons with low vision are affected by the stigma attached to the word "blindness". In fact, being low vision is not synonymous with complete blindness. The definition of legal blindness is corrected vision no better than 20/200 or a loss of peripheral vision that leaves only the central 20 degrees of vision. The definition of low vision is vision no better the 20/60-20-70. Many low vision persons use their remaining vision to perform a large range of visual tasks. They use low vision
low vision products.
Firing a handgun in self defense does not necessarily require good vision. Almost all defensive gun uses occur at short range and many within arm's length. Studies of video from security cameras has shown that most defenders do not even use the sights to align their handgun with an attacker. At close range, simply pointing the weapon instinctively is the norm.
Another important fact to remember is that the majority of defensive gun uses, roughly 97 precent, end without a shot being fired. Criminals almost always break off an attack when they see that their victim is armed.
Low vision individuals have a legitimate fear of physical assault. Even
low vision aids cannot help. They are often targeted by criminals for robbery and rape because they appear to be easy targets. Women who are pregnant, the elderly, or people who are affected by a temporary illness are also at risk.
The system of issuing concealed weapon permits has been a remarkable success in all thirty two progressive states where a "shall issue" system is in effect. The remaining states have a "discretionary" law - permits are issued at the whim of law enforcement officials. In these states most permits are held by politicians, political contributors, celebrities and relatives of said officials.
The most important fact to remember, one that infuriates the gun haters, is that permit holders in every state have proven to be one of the most responsible and law-abiding segments of the population. There is no reason to believe that physically impaired citizens are any different.
It is bad enough that society discriminates, even if unintentionally, against the handicapped. Stripping them of the right to self defense adds insult to injury. The mean-spirited cultural war against gun owners is already nasty enough, we don't need to start attacking the handicapped.
How to get more information on
macular degeneration products - Ask your Eye MD for a Low vision Specialist. Low vision specialists are licensed doctors of optometry who are trained in the examination and management of patients with visual impairments. A few of them are ophthalmologists with additional training in low vision care. Their services do not offer a cure for the causes of low vision, but they do help the patient learn how to utilize their remaining vision to its fullest potential. Low vision care does not replace the possible need for other treatments such as laser, medication, and surgery.
