Assistive technologies for visually impaired seen reaching $12.71 billion by 2030

The global market for assistive technologies for visually impaired users is projected to rise from $6.87 billion in 2025 to $12.71 billion by 2030, driven by AI, computer vision, wearable devices and broader accessibility investment. North America led in 2025, while Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region.

Why it matters: - The market is growing as more people with vision loss need tools that improve reading, mobility, communication and access to information. - The sector’s expansion signals rising demand for accessibility products in education, work and daily life. - The market’s growth also reflects broader investment in inclusive technology and disability access.

What happened: - The Business Research Company said the assistive technologies for visually impaired market is projected to grow from $6.87 billion in 2025 to $7.76 billion in 2026. - The firm forecast the market will reach $12.71 billion by 2030, implying a 13.1% compound annual growth rate from 2026 to 2030. - The company published its report, The Assistive Technologies Market for Visually Impaired Global Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Forecast 2026-2035. - The report defines assistive technologies for visually impaired users as devices, software and systems that support accessibility, independence and navigation. - The report says the market covers tools that help with reading, mobility, communication and interaction with the environment. - The company offered a free sample of the report. - The company also published the full market report.

The details: - The report says past growth was fueled by greater awareness of accessibility, more specialized education programs, wider availability of assistive devices, stronger institutional support for disability inclusion and broader use of screen reader technologies. - The report says future growth will be driven by AI and computer vision, more investment in inclusive tech development, smart city accessibility projects, higher demand for tailored assistive solutions and wider use of wearable assistive devices. - Anticipated trends include AI-powered assistive software, smart and wearable navigation tools, accessible digital learning platforms, connected mobility aids and more user-centered design. - The report says North America led the market in 2025. - The report says Asia-Pacific will be the fastest-growing region over the forecast period. - The report also covers South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The firm said the 2026 edition adds market attractiveness scoring, total addressable market analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel dashboards, market hotspots infographics, and updated graphics and tables.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests assistive technology is moving from a niche accessibility category toward a broader mainstream digital tools market. - The emphasis on AI, computer vision and wearable devices points to a shift from static aids to more adaptive, real-time support. - The regional outlook suggests mature adoption in North America and faster catch-up growth in Asia-Pacific. - World Health Organization data cited in the report underline the size of the addressable market: about 2.2 billion people globally are affected by vision impairment, with 1 billion cases preventable or insufficiently treated. - The report says 36% of cases are refractive errors and 17% are cataracts.

What's next: - The market is expected to keep expanding as governments, schools and employers increase accessibility spending. - The next growth phase will likely center on smarter, more personalized assistive products that work across digital and physical environments. - The company’s report points to continued product development around mobility, learning and connected devices.

The bottom line: - Assistive technology for visually impaired users is becoming a faster-growing, tech-driven market, with AI and accessibility infrastructure likely to shape the next wave of adoption.