Illinois Vision Certification Practice Test

What type of visual impairment is considered if a person's acuity is 20/70 in their better eye?

1. Totally Blind

2. Partially Sighted

3. Fully Sighted

4. Legally Blind

The correct answer is: Partially Sighted

In the context of visual impairment classification, an acuity of 20/70 in the better eye signifies that the individual can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 70 feet. This level of acuity typically aligns with the definition of being partially sighted. Partially sighted individuals are those who have some level of vision but may still have significant limitations in their ability to see clearly or functionally. This classification allows for a range of visual acuity, and 20/70 is a measurement that reflects a reduced ability to see, but not to the extent that one would be classified as legally blind. In Illinois, the criteria for legal blindness is usually defined as having a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye or a visual field restriction. Thus, an acuity of 20/70 does not meet the threshold for legal blindness, hence reinforcing that the individual would be considered partially sighted rather than legally blind or fully sighted.