The “Blind” Issue

What the sighted world gets wrong about blindness — and what I wish more people understood.

Dear Fully Sighted World,

What you believe about vision loss is mostly false. This isn’t your fault. The truth is, most of what the sighted population is taught — if anything at all — about low vision is incorrect. To make matters worse, many of us living with vision loss don’t talk about it much.

The number of people with, or impacted by, vision loss is rising. My goal is to help educate the fully sighted and empower those with low vision or blindness.

The Problem with the Word “Blind”

Most sighted people have a mental image of what a “blind” person looks like: Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Andrea Bocelli — dark sunglasses, closed eyes, maybe a white cane. Yes, those are real signs of blindness or low vision, but they represent only a small part of the story.

In reality, most people who are legally blind still have some usable vision. Vision loss is a spectrum. Only about 10% of those with serious visual impairments are completely blind — meaning no light perception at all. The other 90%, like me, see something.

That’s where the confusion begins.

When Expectations Don’t Match Reality

Because most people don’t understand that blindness often includes some remaining vision, they get confused when they meet someone like me.

Imagine this: I’m at the airport, using my white cane so others know I can’t see well. I might bump into your black luggage as you sprint past me or trip over a small child sprawled on the floor. Hopefully, you’ll realize I didn’t do it on purpose.

At security, I’m often directed to the disability line, my ID checked, and I navigate toward my gate. I let the staff know I’m legally blind — it’s in the airline’s system — and I’m usually boarded first. As I wait, I can feel the eyes on me. Then I take out my iPhone to check texts before takeoff.

I know what some are thinking: “Wait — isn’t he blind? How’s he using his phone?”

The answer is simple: I’m legally blind, not totally blind. I have heavily constricted, but usable, central vision — what’s called tunnel vision. Imagine looking through a narrow tube while everything around the edges disappears. That’s how I see the world.

I can read, use computers, and navigate with care. But because my peripheral vision is gone, I rely on my cane — especially in new or crowded places — for both your safety and mine.

Questions I Don’t Mind Answering

People often ask, “Why do you wear glasses if you’re blind?”

It’s a fair question. I wear glasses because the vision I do have can still be refracted, like anyone else’s. They help me make the most of what remains. My sight isn’t perfect, but glasses give me the best corrected vision possible.

Questions like these don’t bother me. They give me a chance to explain what low vision really means. I don’t blame anyone for being confused — most people have simply never been taught what blindness actually looks like.

Even My Family Forgets Sometimes

My own friends and family occasionally forget I’m legally blind. My mom jokes that she’s my biggest danger when we travel because she’ll step right in front of me or point out things I can’t find. It’s easy to forget when someone “looks” normal — until something happens and I get hurt.

Being blind doesn’t mean I see nothing. It means I see differently, and sometimes, I need help. One day, I might even need yours.

Why You Should Care

According to research from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the number of new cases of blindness and low vision among adults over 45 is projected to double in the next 30 years.

Translation: vision loss may one day affect you or someone you love.

Having an accurate understanding of what blindness really is — and isn’t — will help you respond with empathy, patience, and awareness.

The Light That Remains

Vision loss is not the end of the world. It can be isolating, frustrating, and lonely, yes — but it can also bring clarity about what truly matters. With a bit of understanding from the sighted world, those of us with low vision can not only survive but thrive.

Thank you for seeing us — as we are.

Sincerely,

Your blind friend,

Kevin McNally

Kevin@kevinmcnally.us

The Solution: 

About the Author: 

Kevin McNally is a blind musician, lawyer, traveler, communicator, and more—known for his contagious optimism and deep sense of purpose. Born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative retinal disease, Kevin is on a mission to raise awareness about the everyday challenges, misconceptions, and unexpected opportunities that come with vision loss—insights that resonate with anyone navigating major life changes. As Immediate Past President of the Lions Low Vision Centers of Connecticut and Vice President of the Marlborough, Connecticut Lions, he regularly speaks on how to live a successful, fulfilling life with low vision or blindness.

To contact Kevin directly, please send an email to: Kevin@kevinmcnally.us

Send Kevin an email HERE 

My name is Kevin McNally, and I was diagnosed shortly after birth with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) — a rare, degenerative retinal disease. I also live with glaucoma and early-stage cataracts.

Living with the uncertainty of how much vision I may lose, or when, has sharpened my focus on what truly matters. Over time, I’ve learned that happiness isn’t found — it’s created. And motivation doesn’t appear on its own — it’s built, one day and one choice at a time.

As a blind musician, traveler, motivational speaker, lawyer, and communicator, I stay upbeat and deeply passionate about helping others understand the realities of vision loss. My goal is simple: to inspire people to live with purpose, resilience, and gratitude, no matter what obstacles they face.

I’m excited to share that journey with you.

Contact me at Kevin@kevinmcnally.us to explore how I can help you navigate life’s challenges—and blessings.