Low-vision assistive technology market seen reaching $1.71 billion by 2030

The market for assistive technology for people with low vision is projected to climb to $1.71 billion by 2030, driven by aging populations, broader use of digital devices and more investment in inclusive care. North America held the largest share in 2025, while AI-powered tools, wearable devices and smartphone apps are emerging as key growth areas.

Why it matters: - The market is tied to a growing need for tools that help people with low vision stay independent at home, in school and at work. - Rising vision impairment among older adults is expanding demand for magnification, contrast enhancement and audio-output devices. - The forecast points to sustained commercial growth in a category shaped by healthcare access and digital adoption.

What happened: - The Business Research Company projected the global assistive technology for low vision market will grow from $1.14 billion in 2025 to $1.24 billion in 2026. - The report expects the market to reach $1.71 billion by 2030, implying an 8.4% CAGR over the forecast period. - North America held the largest market share in 2025. - The report covers North America, Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa.

The details: - The report linked recent growth to rising age-related vision problems, wider availability of optical magnification devices, greater awareness of assistive technology, expansion of special education programs and more institutional support for people with visual disabilities. - The forecast also points to the global aging population, greater adoption of digital assistive devices, more investment in inclusive healthcare, growth in remote and home-based care and advances in computer vision. - The market is expected to see more AI-powered visual assistance tools, wearable low-vision devices, audio-visual aid integration, smartphone-based vision apps and customized vision support. - Assistive technologies for low vision include specialized devices that help users maximize remaining sight and improve access to visual information and surroundings. - The core functions of these tools include magnification, contrast enhancement and audio output. - In August 2023, the World Health Organization said at least 2.2 billion people globally have near or distance vision impairment. - The World Health Organization also said only 36% of people with distance vision problems caused by refractive errors and 17% of people with cataract-related vision loss have received proper treatment.

Between the lines: - The market opportunity is not just about clinical need. It is also about access gaps, especially where treatment rates remain low. - North America's current lead suggests stronger adoption and support infrastructure today, but the report signals room for faster growth in other regions as awareness rises. - The shift toward smartphone apps and wearable devices suggests low-vision support is moving closer to consumer tech rather than staying limited to specialized clinical hardware.

What's next: - The report expects continued growth through 2030 as more older adults need vision support and more providers adopt digital tools. - Future gains will likely depend on how quickly AI-based assistance, home care solutions and personalized devices scale. - The Business Research Company said its 2026 market reports include market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel dashboards, market hotspots infographics and updated trend analysis. - More information is available in the full report and a free sample.