Neurological Vision Loss: A Guide for People who have Homonymous Hemianopia

Author: Royal Society for the Blind

Our ability to see and to understand what we see is a very complex process involving not just the eyes but many parts of the brain as well. It is estimated that over 40% of our brain is devoted to visual function. So it is not surprising that a large proportion of people who suffer a brain injury will have visual problems of one sort or another. Yet many people are unaware of the nature of vision loss associated with brain injury and what assistance can be provided to alleviate the problems that this significant vision loss can cause.

This booklet is designed to provide information about vision deficits associated with a brain injury. It describes how messages from our eyes are processed by the brain and how injury to parts of the brain can affect the vision. It will also explain how to identify signs and symptoms of neurological vision loss as well as treatment options and support services available.

References and Resources

  • Paths to Literacy – for students who are blind or visually impaired: 
  • Paths to Technology, which is managed by Diane Brauner on behalf of Perkins School for the Blind - 
  • The International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) - 
  • South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI) - 
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