Data collected from the National Health Interview Survey on Disability (1994-95) indicate that approximately 1.3 million people in the United States reported legal blindness (0.5%). 

For a definition of legal blindness, see P.A. 260 of 1978.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind estimates that there are approximately 50,000 people in Michigan who are legally blind. (The 2000 census lists the population of Michigan as 9,938,444.  If 0.5% of the population is legally blind, that would be 0.5% of 9,938,444 -- or 49,692 people in Michigan who are legally blind.)

For additional statistics related to blindness and visual impairment, see the websites below:

American Foundation for the Blind (age, employment, cane/dog use, computer use, etc.)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dept. of Health & Human Services (prevalence of blindness in children & adults, causes, prevention)

Lighthouse International (worldwide, national, and state statistics)

MedLine Plus (NIH) (causes of blindness)

National Center for Health Statistics (search page), Centers for Disease Control, Dept. of Health & Human Services

National Federation of the Blind (prevalence, employment, cost)

National Eye Institute (prevalence of eye conditions and diseases by age group)