What are common clues that a patient may be blind?

The presence of a collapsible white cane and a guide dog are significant indicators that a person may be blind. A white cane is often used by individuals with visual impairments to detect obstacles in their path and to navigate their environment safely. It serves both as a mobility tool and a signal to others that the person may have visual limitations. Similarly, guide dogs are specially trained animals that assist visually impaired individuals in navigating their surroundings, providing guidance and helping to avoid obstacles.

While visual acuity tests can assess vision quality, they are not a direct observation of blindness. Eyeglasses may suggest vision issues but do not necessarily indicate blindness, as many people wear them who still have functional vision. Hearing aids and facial communication can provide clues about other sensory impairments, but they do not specifically indicate blindness. Therefore, the presence of a white cane and a guide dog is the most compelling and widely recognized evidence of an individual’s blindness.