Become a Vision Professional

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 12, 2025
Whether you’ve worked with someone who is blind or visually impaired, have a personal connection, or are simply drawn to the field, you may be curious about how to become a vision professional. Across the United States, there is a critical shortage of specialists supporting individuals with visual impairments—including Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs). These rewarding careers offer opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. 

Becoming a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI)

​If you enjoy collaboration, value one-on-one instruction, are organized, and are interested in learning specialized skills and technologies, a career as a TVI may be the right path for you. TVIs provide direct instruction and support to students who are blind or visually impaired, helping them gain the skills needed for academic success and independence.
To become a TVI, you must:
  • Hold a valid teaching license (in general or special education).
  • Complete specialized coursework in visual impairments, typically around 6 courses.
  • Topics often include:
    • Foundations of visual impairment education
    • Braille reading and writing
    • Anatomy and function of the eye
    • Educational implications of low vision
    • Instructional strategies
    • Basic O&M concepts
  • Complete a supervised internship or practicum experience.
Many programs offer distance learning, and some provide stipends or financial support due to the high demand. The program will typically assign a local TVI mentor to support you during your training.

Becoming an Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialis

O&M Specialists teach individuals with visual impairments how to navigate their environments safely and confidently using skills such as white cane travel, spatial awareness, and orientation techniques. Unlike TVIs, a teaching certificate is not required, though a bachelor’s degree in any field is necessary.
To become an O&M Specialist:
  • Complete approximately 8 graduate-level courses specific to O&M.
  • Participate in a supervised internship.
  • Obtain certification through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP).
  • Choose from programs that may offer a blend of distance and on-site learning options.
This field is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on instruction, problem-solving, and empowering students of all ages to become independent travelers. In addition to taking coursework and completing the internship, most states require O&M Specialists to become certified through the Academy of Certification of Vision Rehabilitation (ACVREP).

Becoming a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT

​VRTs specialize in independent living skills for individuals with visual impairments. They work with teens transitioning to adulthood and with adults adjusting to vision loss, helping them master everyday tasks like cooking, home management, communication, and technology use.
To become a VRT:
  • Earn a bachelor’s degree in any field.
  • Pursue a master’s degree or graduate certificate in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.
  • Complete internship or practicum requirements.
  • Consider programs that offer flexible, distance-based learning.
VRTs are trained professionals who provide life-changing support to individuals seeking to live confidently and independently with vision loss.

Learn More

To explore university programs that prepare professionals in these fields, visit the Professional Preparation Program page. Each state has its own certification requirements, so be sure to verify that the program you choose aligns with your career goals and state licensure guidelines.
"I hope one day to see enough braille presses, libraries, schools, and training centers and teachers to assure all persons the opportunities they would have had, had they not been blind."  -Helen Keller

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