The International Blind Sports Association and International Paralympic Committee determine each category of classification for athletes who are blind or have low vision.
The list below is intended as a guide only. Only authorised classifiers are able to provide a formal para sport classification.
From no light perception in either eye to light perception, but an inability to recognise the shape of a hand at any distance or in any direction. Visual acuity is poorer than LogMAR 2.60 with best corrected vision.
Ability to recognise objects up to a distance of 2 metres. Visual acuity ranges from LogMAR 1.5 to 2.60 (below 2/60) with best corrected vision and/or visual field of less than ten (10) degrees diameter
Can recognise contours between 2 and 6 metres away. Visual acuity ranges from LogMAR 1.40 – 1.0 (2/60 – 6/60) with best corrected vision and/or visual field of more than ten (10) degrees and less than forty (40) degrees diameter.
Paralympic sport exists so that athletes with a disability have equal opportunities to compete and be successful in sport. Classification groups athletes who have similar impairments together into classes for competition in their particular sport. Each Paralympic sport has a different classification system and classification may be based on a physical, intellectual or visual impairment.
For further information, please contact your national /international sporting body: