Become a Vision ProfessionalBy: 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:
Becoming an Orientation & Mobility (O&M) SpecialisO&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:
Becoming a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRTVRTs 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:
Learn MoreTo 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.
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"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 |