Visually-impaired Individuals Research Articles

Enhancing Accessibility in Online Shopping: A Dataset and Summarization Method for Visually Impaired Individuals

A visually impaired individual (VI) encounters numerous challenges in their daily activities, particularly in tasks reliant on visual systems such as navigation, educational pursuits, and shopping. Online shopping poses a heightened difficulty due to its reliance on visual representations of products in digital formats. The impact of visual impairment on product selection based on reviews remains inadequately investigated. This study endeavors to address two primary objectives. Firstly, we propose the creation of a dataset comprising product review videos (referred to as PVS10) tailored for visually impaired individuals. Secondly, we present a foundational summarization methodology designed to facilitate access to pertinent and informative content within extensive video collections for visually impaired individuals. Our dataset, gathered from YouTube, encompasses 10 distinct products, each associated with the top 10 review videos, totaling 100 videos of varying lengths. Utilizing the search term "review videos of PRODUCT NAME", we assembled the dataset to facilitate automated summarization processes aimed at maximizing salient information, minimizing redundant content, and preserving the overarching sentiment conveyed in the reviews. This research focuses on the challenges faced by visually impaired people in online shopping, particularly when selecting products based on customer reviews. Our study demonstrates that people with visual impairments may actively explore product reviews and only acquire the information they require.

Color Maps: Facilitating the Clinical Impact of Quantitative MRI.

Presenting quantitative data using non-standardized color maps potentially results in unrecognized misinterpretation of data. Clinically meaningful color maps should intuitively and inclusively represent data without misleading interpretation. Uniformity of the color gradient for color maps is critically important. Maximal color and lightness contrast, readability for color vision-impaired individuals, and recognizability of the color scheme are highly desirable features. This article describes the use of color maps in five key quantitative MRI techniques: relaxometry, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI, MR elastography (MRE), and water-fat MRI. Current display practice of color maps is reviewed and shortcomings against desirable features are highlighted. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Global estimates on the number of people blind or visually impaired by glaucoma: A meta-analysis from 2000 to 2020.

To estimate global and regional trends from 2000 to 2020 of the number of persons visually impaired by glaucoma and their proportion of the total number of vision-impaired individuals. A systematic review and meta-analysis of published population studies and grey literature from 2000 to 2020 was carried out to estimate global and regional trends in number of people with vision loss due to glaucoma. Moderate or severe vision loss (MSVI) was defined as visual acuity of 6/60 or better but <6/18 (moderate) and visual acuity of 3/60 or better but <6/60 (severe vision loss). Blindness was defined as presenting visual acuity <3/60. Globally, in 2020, 3.61 million people were blind and nearly 4.14 million were visually impaired by glaucoma. Glaucoma accounted for 8.39% (95% uncertainty intervals [UIs]: 6.54, 10.29) of all blindness and 1.41% (95% UI: 1.10, 1.75) of all MSVI. Regionally, the highest proportion of blindness relating to glaucoma was found in high-income countries (26.12% [95% UI: 20.72, 32.09]), while the region with the highest age-standardized prevalence of glaucoma-related blindness and MSVI was Sub-Saharan Africa. Between 2000 and 2020, global age-standardized prevalence of glaucoma-related blindness among adults ≥50 years decreased by 26.06% among males (95% UI: 25.87, 26.24), and by 21.75% among females (95% UI: 21.54, 21.96), while MSVI due to glaucoma increased by 3.7% among males (95% UI: 3.42, 3.98), and by 7.3% in females (95% UI: 7.01, 7.59). Within the last two decades, glaucoma has remained a major cause of blindness globally and regionally.

Social media use and vision impairment in adults between the ages of 18 and 35 years in India.

Social media is used by >4.48 billion people worldwide. Despite its popularity, vision-impaired individuals struggle to use social media given visual inaccessibility of content and lack of access to Internet/Wireless-Fidelity-enabled devices. Our study explores visually impaired adult's use of social media in comparison to a control group. This study aimed to report the demographic profile and patterns of social media use among adults with vision impairment (VI) aged 18 to 35 years and compare it with an age-matched normally sighted group in India. In addition, we explored barriers to use of social media among adults with VI. Vision-impaired and normally sighted adults (controls) aged 18 to 35 years at L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India, answered a questionnaire about social media use (e.g., platform used). Four hundred twenty-two individuals (201 VI, 221 controls) participated. Normally sighted adults (98%) used social media more than the VI group (81%; p<0.001). Vision-impaired users were predominantly male (85%) and unemployed (57%; p<0.00001 for both). There was no significant difference in educational level between groups (p=0.17). Smartphones were the most popular device used (VI, 161 [99%]; control, 206 [95%]), with tablet PC/iPad being the least popular (VI, 5 [3%]; control, 12 [6%]). Adults with VI and controls commonly used WhatsApp as communication platforms, and Facebook and Twitter as networking platforms. Approximately one-third of individuals across both social media user groups reported barriers to use (VI, 48 [30%]; control, 74 [34%]; p<0.001). Vision-impaired individuals cited accessibility issues of having to rely on audio over vision to navigate social media, whereas controls reported having to share a phone. The proportion of social media usage among VI adults is high (81%) and is substantially higher than the 33% reported in the general Indian population. Vision-impaired adults who used social media were male with moderate VI and were less likely to be employed compared with controls.

Incorporating minority perspectives into study design

The vast majority of auditory research in the field of hearing loss is conducted by scientists and clinicians with normal hearing sensitivity. As a result, well-intentioned study and survey designs often miss the mark in representing the disabled experience and quantifying outcomes that are meaningful to those with sensory loss. This underscores the importance of supporting the development and inclusion of scientists with sensory loss in academia. In this talk, we will give examples of studies from vision and hearing loss that were designed by disabled researchers. We will focus on how they differ from those designed by non-disabled scientists in the same field. These examples will highlight how the lived experience of scientists with sensory loss influences the types of research questions asked and metrics used to answer these questions. We will also share methods and data from studies that have successfully incorporated the perspectives of hearing- and vision-impaired individuals into their design process.

Understanding Auditory Space in Digital Games for Visually Impaired People

The article seeks to establish a foundational framework for comprehending crucial definitions and concepts related to auditory space in digital gaming, particularly focusing on audio games designed for visually impaired individuals (VI), often devoid of graphical interfaces. While existing studies often emphasize players’ interactions with interfaces and the acquisition of real-life skills, this text explores audio games through the lens of entertainment and immersion. Numerous studies indicate a demand among visually impaired players for more intricate and challenging games, incorporating elements usually used in standard digital gaming experiences. By combining definitions from both audio and traditional digital games, this article broadens the scope of sound design considerations, encompassing various aspects and classifications. It presents several auditory dimensions, consolidating them into a comprehensive dimension called attenuation, putting their roles within a game’s context. The author is a sound designer currently working on an audio game; therefore, many of the presented definitions are also a guide that will represent some of his own considerations while working on this game. These include not only the use of binaural or ambisonic sound but also understanding the ways and means of how to work with (3D) space in the context of audio and its possible functions.

Görme Engelli Bireylerin Müzik Eğitimine Yönelik Yapılan Tez Çalışmalarının İncelenmesi

Araştırmada, görme engelli bireylerin aldıkları müzik eğitimi konusunda yazılmış olan lisansüstü tezlerin tespit edilmesi, bu tezlerin farklı açılardan incelenerek mevcut durum tespitinin yapılması ve gelecekte yapılacak olan çalışmalara ışık tutması amaçlanmaktadır. Durum çalışması deseni kullanılan çalışmada veriler, betimsel analiz yöntemi ile analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda, tez konularının çoğunlukla müzik eğitimi, müzik nota yazısı, çalgı eğitimi ve müzik eğitim teknolojisi olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu tezlerin, görme engelli müzik öğretmenlerinin ve öğrencilerin yaşadığı sorunlar, sosyalleşme durumları, görme engelli okullarında program yapısı, Braille nota sisteminin Türkiye’de kullanım durumu ve çalgı eğitiminde yaşanan sorunları tespit etmeyi amaçladıkları görülmektedir. Tez sonuçları incelendiğinde, gören öğrenciler için hazırlanmış öğretim programının görmeyen öğrenciler içinde değiştirilmeden uygulanmasının ve kılavuz kitapların aynı olmasının büyük sorunlar yarattığı, haftalık 1 saatlik dersin yetersiz kaldığı, öğretmenlerin özel eğitim konusunda hizmet içi eğitim kursu alması gerektiği, Braille alfabesi ile basılmış kaynakların yetersiz olduğu sonuçlarına ulaşılmıştır.

Emerging Communication Gap to the Lives of Differently Abled Individuals Working in a Blind Massage Service

This study was conducted specifically for those blind and with impaired vision and to perform an analysis of the communication gap between the blind masseurs working in massage parlors that critically affects their being because of their disability and the specific limitations they encounter in their everyday life at work and including at home and in their respective communities. Communication can be difficult even with ordinarily-sighted people; it can be challenging for visually-impaired people. However, when both parties are aware of the barriers to communication, productive conversation between normally-sighted and visually-impaired people is still possible. People with visual impairments are already used to living without sight. Frequently, visually-impaired individuals are victims of discrimination, whether intentionally or accidentally. In Howard Giles’ Theory of Communication and Accommodation, he described convergence as how we adapt or alter our communication behavior to become more like someone. This happens when a person decides to fit in and become part of their conversation partners. Further, the purpose of this study was to reconnoiter the emerging problems encountered by differently-abled individuals working as massage therapists. The study utilized a single-case qualitative research method to obtain information regarding the problems faced by differently-abled individuals working in blind massage services. Based on the testimonies gathered from the informants, the blind reading literacy barrier was perceived as a communication challenge among the employees. Their disability in reading makes their emotions unstable, causing doubts or fear of trust and confidence when they are required to affix a thumbprint instead of their signature on whatever document they are given to them.

„Es ist, wie in einer Kapsel zu sein.“ Wie Personen über 70 Jahren eine Hör- und Sehbeeinträchtigung erkennen und reflektieren - Teilergebnisse aus dem Stufenmodell KoRes

IntroductionCombined hearing and vision impairment, which can negatively affect the performance of activities of daily living, is particularly prevalent in those over 70 years of age. Existing studies show that this dual sensory impairment has implications for safety in the home environment. Insights into how individuals integrate hearing and vision changes into their daily lives are needed for planning care-related interventions. MethodsA qualitative method was used supplemented with quantitative methods (“Concurrent Embedded Strategy”). Based on the grounded theory approach, we conducted guided interviews with hearing- and vision-impaired individuals aged 70 years and over (n=46) as well as a questionnaire survey on how they cope with their daily lives. ResultsAs part of their processing, individuals with hearing and visual impairments go through three stages that are closely linked to “being able to communicate.” A partial result of the KoRes model is presented. This article focuses on the first two stages of this model: “diagnosis” and “reflection”. ConclusionPeople with dual sensory impairment behave reactively on the first two of a total of three stages with regard to the processing of their impairments. They need a supportive environment to be able to clarify these changes in hearing and vision and come to grips with the underlying causes.

Understanding the Factors Influencing the Leisure Tourism Behavior of Visually Impaired Travelers: An Empirical Study in China.

This study looks at the real-world problems which vision impaired individuals face when they travel. More specifically, this study aims to explore the main factors influencing the leisure tourism behavior of visually impaired individuals. Based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 26 visually impaired respondents, this study identifies six main factors impacting on the leisure tourism behavior of visually impaired individuals including: tourism products and services, personal psychological factors, social support, community support, personal socio-economic factors, and barrier-free environments. Findings show that visually impaired travelers have strong requirements for auditory, tactile, and physical participation. Support factors such as travel companions/escorts, tour organizers specifically targeting their experiential offerings at the visually impaired, and an accessible environment are important considerations for visually impaired travelers. Findings also show that visually impaired individuals participate in leisure tourism to enhance their own abilities, relieve pressures on their families, break stereotypes associated with the visually impaired, and promote the need for greater tourism development specifically targeting visually impaired travelers. This study also proposes a theoretical model outlining the factors influencing leisure tourism of visually impaired people.

Savvy Shoes for Visually Challenged

This paper clarifies about the smart assistive shoes for visually-impaired individuals. Our undertaking expects to build up a gadget that would fill in as a directing help to them. It centers around planning a gadget for visual weakened (or visually impaired) individuals that would assist them with traveling freely and furthermore without any difficulty. One of the biggest problems that the visually impaired ones face is traveling. Because they walk in the indoors and outdoors which they are not aware of the data about the obstacles around them. The venture comprises of the smart shoes that alarms visually impaired individuals over hindrances dividing their ways and could help them in travelling with less crash. We will include a vibration framework which will demonstrate them about the area of hindrance and the item is predominantly founded on sensor innovation Sensors are used in order to find the hindrance. Arduino UNO is used to control the entire system. So the system will be more effective as well as simple. It mainly targets the visually challenged people all over the world.

Prevalence and associated factors of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders and insomnia among visually impaired Japanese individuals

BackgroundAlthough earlier studies have demonstrated that circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSWD) are more prevalent in visually impaired individuals, the actual prevalence of CRSWD and insomnia among the visually impaired Japanese population remains unclear. The aim of this cross-sectional, telephone-based study was to estimate the prevalence of CRSWD and insomnia, and explore factors associated with CRSWD and insomnia among visually impaired Japanese individuals.MethodsA nationwide telephone survey was conducted among visually-impaired individuals through local branches of the Japan Federation of the Blind. In total, 157 visually impaired individuals were eligible for this study. Demographic information and information about visual impairments, lifestyle, and sleep patterns were assessed using questionnaires and subsequent telephone interviews. CRSWD and insomnia were defined according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders-Third Edition criteria.ResultsThe prevalence of CRSWD in visually impaired individuals was 33.1%. Among those with CRSWD, a non-24-h/irregular sleep-wake rhythm type was the most frequently observed (26.8%), followed by an advanced sleep-wake phase type and a delayed sleep-wake phase type (3.8 and 2.5%, respectively). Furthermore, 28.7% of the visually impaired individuals were found to have insomnia. In the visually impaired individuals, the absence of light perception, unemployment, living alone, and use of hypnotics were significantly associated with CRSWD, whereas only the use of hypnotics was extracted as a marginally associated factor of insomnia.ConclusionsCRSWD and insomnia were highly prevalent in visually impaired Japanese individuals. The presence of CRSWD among the visually impaired individuals was associated with a lack of light perception and/or social zeitgebers.

A route planning framework for smart wearable assistive navigation systems

Route planning (RP) enables individuals to navigate in unfamiliar environments. Current RP methodologies generate routes that optimize criteria relevant to the traveling distance or time, whereas most of them do not consider personal preferences or needs. Also, most of the current smart wearable assistive navigation systems offer limited support to individuals with disabilities by providing obstacle avoidance instructions, but often neglecting their special requirements with respect to the route quality. Motivated by the mobility needs of such individuals, this study proposes a novel RP framework for assistive navigation that copes these open issues. The framework is based on a novel mixed 0–1 integer nonlinear programming model for solving the RP problem with constraints originating from the needs of individuals with disabilities; unlike previous models, it minimizes: (1) the collision risk with obstacles within a path by prioritizing the safer paths; (2) the walking time; (3) the number of turns by constructing smooth paths, and (4) the loss of cultural interest by penalizing multiple crossovers of the same paths, while satisfying user preferences, such as points of interest to visit and a desired tour duration. The proposed framework is applied for the development of a system module for safe navigation of visually impaired individuals (VIIs) in outdoor cultural spaces. The module is evaluated in a variety of navigation scenarios with different parameters. The results demonstrate the comparative advantage of our RP model over relevant state-of-the-art models, by generating safer and more convenient routes for the VIIs.

User-centered system design for assisted navigation of visually impaired individuals in outdoor cultural environments

The marginalization of people with disabilities, such as visually impaired individuals (VIIs), has driven scientists to take advantage of the fast growth of smart technologies and develop smart assistive systems (SASs) to bring VIIs back to social life, education and even to culture. Our research focuses on developing a human–computer interactive system that will guide VIIs in outdoor cultural environments by offering universal access to cultural information, social networking and safe navigation among other services. The VI users interact with computer-based SAS to control the system during its operation, while having access to remote connection with non-VIIs for external guidance and company. The development of such a system needs a user-centered design (UCD) that incorporates the elicitation of the necessary requirements for a satisfying operation for the VI users. In this paper, we present a novel SAS system for VIIs and its design considerations, which follow a UCD approach to determine a set of operational, functional, ergonomic, environmental and optional requirements of the system. Both VIIs and non-VIIs took part in a series of interviews and questionnaires, from which data were analyzed to form the requirements of the system for both the on-site and remote use. The final requirements are tested by trials and their evaluation and results are presented. The experimental investigations gave significant feedback for the development of the system, throughout the design process. The most important contribution of this study is the derivation of requirements applicable not only to the specific system under investigation, but also to other relevant SASs for VIIs.

Recent trends in vision impairment certifications in England and Wales

BackgroundThe Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) provides essential data for preventable sight loss indicators as part of the Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF) published annually by the Department of Health. Trends in CVI certification rates can provide information on the effectiveness of current services and treatments and may be used to guide allocation of resources, and is the only such indicator within ophthalmology. This study aimed to compare recent trends in new vision impairment certifications in 2017/18 against prior baseline data in England and document trends in new certifications in Wales.MethodsPHOF data from 2010/11 and 2017/18 were examined with respect to preventable sight loss indicators: age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Indicator E12a), glaucoma (Indicator E12b), diabetic eye disease (Indicator E12c) as well as the total numbers of certifications (Indicator E12d).ResultsIn 2017/18, the rate of new CVI certifications was 41 per 100,000 population which has reduced from 43/100,000 in 2010/11 in England. Certifications for AMD reduced from 132/100,000 in 2010/11 to 107/100,000 in 2017–18. Certifications for glaucoma have remained stable at 13/100,000 in 2017/8. Certifications for diabetic eye disease have declined from 4/100,000 in 2010/11 to 3/ 100,000 in 2017/18. The number of vision impaired individuals that each Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has to support varies from 8 to 82 per 100,000 population.ConclusionsThere has been a significant decrease in the rate of all CVI certifications particularly from AMD and diabetic retinopathy. However, maintaining this will require changes in the way care is delivered as the elderly population, which is at greatest risk of preventable sight loss, is projected to increase by 50% over the next 20 years. Inherited retinal diseases are now the leading cause of sight loss in the working age population. CVI data demonstrate the need for CCGs to tailor their investment in ophthalmic services to the needs of their specific patient populations. It is important that all ophthalmologists continue to provide accurate CVI data in order to help support the future equitable allocation of adequate resources to reduce avoidable vision loss.

Effects of a Four-Week Vestibular Exercise Program on Postural Control, Risk of Falling, and Quality of Life in Visually-impaired Individuals

Purpose: Visually-impaired individuals encounter difficulties in balance control and quality of life, and experience more instability, compared to healthy people. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of vestibular exercises training program on postural control, risk of falling, and quality of life in individuals with visual impairment. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest and a control group design. In total, 24 men with visual impairment were randomly divided into the control and experimental groups. The experimental group performed a 4-week vestibular exercise program for 3 weekly sessions of 50 minutes. The Biodex Balance System, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) were respectively used to evaluate the postural control, risk of falling, and quality of life of the study samples, before and after the exercise intervention. Univariate analysis and Paired Samples t-test were used to determine the differences between the two groups. Results: The present study results suggested that vestibular exercises improved balance and quality of life, and decrease the risk of falling in visually-impaired people; there was a significant difference between pretest and posttest values in the experimental group. However, no significant difference was observed in the control group in the mentioned variables. The Univariate analysis results revealed that the experimental group obtained higher scores on balance, risk of falling, and quality of life, compared to the control group. Conclusion: Vestibular exercises significantly improved postural control and quality of life, and decreased the risk of falling in the studied samples. It is recommended that these exercises be included in the rehabilitation programs for visually-impaired individuals.

Analysis of Self Efficacy-Sufficiency Levels of Individuals with Visual Impairment According to Some Variables

This study was conducted with the aim of determining self efficacy-sufficiency levels of visually impaired individuals according to some variables. Bandura (1994) states that self-sufficiency, defined as an individual’s belief on operating a specific job, is an important factor for the athletes. Self-sufficiency results in choosing a field of study voluntarily, feeling a high motivation for accomplishing that job, endeavoring and spending time on the study. Self-sufficiency is about the individual’s specific area or behavior group (Akkoyunlu &amp; Orhan, 2003). The study was conducted on 127 male and 60 female visually-impaired individuals, a total of 187, with different visual acuity in different visually-handicapped clubs. The voluntary basis was taken into consideration in participation. As the data collection tool, “Personal Information Form” and “Self-Efficacy–Sufficiency Scale” which was developed by Sherer et al. (1982), and adopted into Turkish by Gözüm and Aksayan (1999). The data set was analyzed in SPSS 20.0 packaged programme. The data was purified from loss and wrong coding, and the normality hypothesis was done with kurtosis and skewness values. In the analysis of the data, frequency, the average standard deviation was used; besides, T-Test (in paired comparisons) gender, disability status, marital status and branches of sports; one-way variance (ANOVA) test in age, level of education, level of income and visual acuity were used. When one-way ANOVA results of self-sufficiency scores according to gender, age, disability status, level of education, level of income, and visual acuity were analyzed, it was stated that there was a significant difference (p0,05). When evaluated the information above, it can be said that like self efficacy-sufficiency concept can be in different levels and different dimension in different areas of life; it is effective on visually-impaired individuals. In this respect, it is considered that this study will open a new window to this area and contribute to the visually-impaired athletes. Besides, it is suggested that a new study on how self efficacy-sufficiency concept is in the visually-impaired athletes and other individuals, and evaluation of how they are affected. In this concept, the general aim of this study is to analyze the levels of self efficacy-sufficiency of visually-impaired athletes.

Kinematic Profile of Visually Impaired Football Players During Specific Sports Actions

Blind football, or Football 5-a-side, is a very popular sport amongst visually impaired individuals (VI) worldwide. However, little is known regarding the movement patterns these players perform in sports actions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether visually impaired players present changes in their movement patterns in specific functional tasks compared with sighted amateur football players. Six VI and eight sighted amateur football players performed two functional tasks: (1) 5 m shuttle test and (2) 60 s ball passing against a wall. The sighted players performed the tests while fully sighted (SIG) as well as blindfolded (BFO). During both tasks, full-body kinematics was recorded using an inertial motion capture system. The maximal center-of-mass speed and turning center-of-mass speed were computed during the 5 m shuttle test. Foot resultant speed, bilateral arm speed, and trunk flexion were measured during the 60 s ball passing test. The results showed that VI players achieved lower maximal and turning speed compared to SIG players (p < 0.05), but BFO were slower than the VI players. The VI players presented similar foot contact speed during passes when compared to SIG, but they presented greater arm movement speed (p < 0.05) compared to both SIG and BFO. In addition, VI players presented greater trunk flexion angles while passing when compared to both SIG and BFO (p < 0.05). It is concluded that VI players present slower speed while running and turning, and they adopt specific adaptations from arm movements and trunk flexion to perform passes.

Game design for visually-impaired individuals: Creativity and innovation theories and sensory substitution devices influence on virtual and physical navigation skills

This action research study examined the design elements of three VR games that used an HTC VIVE VR helmet, two HTC game controllers, and a VR horse simulator for functionality and transferability to orientation and mobility (O&amp;M) education for visually impaired individuals. The functionality of the VR games was tested with a visually-impaired individual based upon five characteristics that are important to O&amp;M education: perimeter scanning then grid scanning, hearing, touch, smell, and perceptions of body positions. The horse simulator has potential benefits for proprioception and kinesthesia development. The inconsistent haptic feedback requires redesign consideration for inclusion within VR games and systems for O&amp;M education.

Opportunities for CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing in Retinal Regeneration Research.

While retinal degeneration and disease results in permanent damage and vision loss in humans, the severely damaged zebrafish retina has a high capacity to regenerate lost neurons and restore visual behaviors. Advancements in understanding the molecular and cellular basis of this regeneration response give hope that strategies and therapeutics may be developed to restore sight to blind and visually-impaired individuals. Our current understanding has been facilitated by the amenability of zebrafish to molecular tools, imaging techniques, and forward and reverse genetic approaches. Accordingly, the zebrafish research community has developed a diverse array of research tools for use in developing and adult animals, including toolkits for facilitating the generation of transgenic animals, systems for inducible, cell-specific transgene expression, and the creation of knockout alleles for nearly every protein coding gene. As CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has begun to revolutionize molecular biology research, the zebrafish community has responded in stride by developing CRISPR/Cas9 techniques for the zebrafish as well as incorporating CRISPR/Cas9 into available toolsets. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 to retinal regeneration research will undoubtedly bring us closer to understanding the mechanisms underlying retinal repair and vision restoration in the zebrafish, as well as developing therapeutic approaches that will restore vision to blind and visually-impaired individuals. This review focuses on how CRISPR/Cas9 has been integrated into zebrafish research toolsets and how this new tool will revolutionize the field of retinal regeneration research.