| Mild vision loss (partially sighted) | 20/30 to 20/70 or a visual field of less than 30 degrees | No special aids needed; may require reading glasses |
| Moderate vision loss | 20/80 to 20/160 | Special aids needed for some tasks |
| Severe vision loss (legally blind) | 20/200 to 20/400 or a visual field of less than 20 degrees | Can read only with special aids at reduced speed and endurance |
| Profound vision loss | 20/500 to 20/1,000 | Reading and mobility impaired; relies on other senses for some tasks |
| Near total blindness | Hand motion, light perception | Relies on other senses; cannot benefit from magnification |
| Total blindness | No light perception | No vision; relies completely on other senses |