# VisionSim by Braille Institute > Simulates vision loss from eye diseases using iPhone/iPad camera and digital filters. (iPhone/iPad app by Braille Institute.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visionsim-by-braille-institute/id525114829 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Braille Institute](https://appshunter.io/developer/515633908) - Category: Medical, Education - Price: Free - Rating: 3.40/5 from 23 App Store ratings · 29 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.1 · 25 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2012-05-15 - Data updated: 2026-06-09 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visionsim-by-braille-institute/id525114829/reviews.md ## What is VisionSim by Braille Institute? Braille Institute's VisionSim (v3.0) app for iPhone and iPad was developed to allow people with healthy vision to see the world through the eyes of a person experiencing one of nine degenerative eye diseases. The eye diseases that are simulated are: age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, chronic open-angle glaucoma, corneal edema, diabetic retinopathy, homonymous hemianopia, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa. The application uses the camera in the iPhone or iPad along with digital filters to allow the user to experience the symptoms of a particular disease. Using sliding touch-screen controls, the user can manipulate the severity of the symptoms. Still images from the simulations can be saved by the user and stored or shared. (Note: iOS version 6+ users - In order to save your VisionSim 'simulator' images, you must go to SETTINGS > PRIVACY > PHOTOS > turn VisionSim 'ON') The application also provides detailed information about each of the eye diseases including associated visual phenomenon, symptoms, causes and treatments. The user can also access Braille Institute's website or contact Braille Institute directly via email for more information. This application was designed to foster understanding and compassion for the millions of people affected by these eye conditions. For more information on the VisionSim application please email: appthinktank@BrailleInstitute.org ## Key features - Simulates 9 degenerative eye diseases - Adjustable symptom severity - Uses device camera and digital filters - Save and share simulation images - Detailed information on eye conditions - Access to Braille Institute resources ## Recent user reviews (10 of 29) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visionsim-by-braille-institute/id525114829/reviews.md ### 2/5 — I really wish this app worked *2022-09-03, version 3.2* I was born with a cataract in my right eye, and I just recently heard about this app that can show people what it’s like to look at something with my vision but every time I take a pic the app just closes. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t Work *2021-04-06, version 3.2* It has a list of diseases, good. But then it just says “medical cause” followed by some lorem ipsum text, and no way to actually see the type of sight loss. ### 4/5 — Love this but there could be better changes *2019-06-10, version 3.2* When you reverse the contrast on the app it doesn’t show the whole app in reverse contrast, only the settings page. Also when you click more info on any eye disease it doesn’t say anything besides the whole Lorem ipsum dolor thing. However I am so happy I found this app I’ve had it awhile ago and I missed having it. ### 4/5 — For demonstrating sight disability *2018-05-30, version 3.0.1* Great app - but needs updating to work with IOS11 ### 5/5 — Fantastic App *2018-02-07, version 3.0.1* Please, please update this app for ios 11 this app is so important to learning and understanding visual impairment. ### 5/5 — App needs update! *2018-01-16, version 3.0.1* The app doesn’t currently work with iOS 11! Sadly until it is updated most of us can not open the app. Please update this wonderful educational tool! ### 3/5 — iOS 11 update please *2017-12-20, version 3.0.1* Was great. Really found it helpful regularly. Can’t use it now without iOS 11 update. Hope it’s coming soon! ### 4/5 — Fabulous app *2016-09-23, version 3.0.1* I love using this app to quickly illustrate how a patient sees. A "real eye opener " for family members ### 1/5 — What happened *2015-06-25, version 3.0.1* This used to be a fantastic app but it needs to be updated. The app worked fine on my previous iPhones but I recently got an iPhone 6 and all the app produces now is a red target circle. It worked spectacularly on my previous iPhones so my disappointment is acute now. ### 1/5 — Doesn't simulate *2015-05-29, version 3.0.1* I'm using an iPhone 6, it doesn't simulate anything in any mode I tried. ## Frequently asked questions about VisionSim by Braille Institute ### What does the VisionSim app do? VisionSim allows users with healthy vision to experience how the world looks to someone with one of nine degenerative eye diseases. It uses your device's camera and digital filters to simulate these conditions, enabling you to adjust the severity of symptoms. ### What eye diseases can I simulate with this app? The app simulates age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, chronic open-angle glaucoma, corneal edema, diabetic retinopathy, homonymous hemianopia, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and retinitis pigmentosa. ### Is VisionSim a free app? Yes, VisionSim is a free application developed by the Braille Institute. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned. ### What devices is VisionSim compatible with? The app is designed for iPhone and iPad devices. It requires iOS version 6 or later to function, with specific instructions for saving images on iOS version 6+. ### What is the main purpose of using VisionSim? The primary purpose of VisionSim is to foster understanding and compassion for the millions of people affected by various eye conditions. It provides a visual experience of vision loss and detailed information about each disease. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.2 — 2019-04-15 Fixed various issues for version compatibility ### 3.0.1 — 2013-03-01 + iOS 6 support. ### 3.0.0 — 2013-02-22 + New and more accurate visual impairment simulators + New user interface ### 2.0.1 — 2012-06-03 iphone 3 fixes. ### 2.0 — 2012-05-14 No release notes. ## Apps similar to VisionSim by Braille Institute | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Meducator - Medical AI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meducator-medical-ai/id1659157660) | 4.8 (23) | Free | Medical | | [Glaucoma Vision Simulation](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glaucoma-vision-simulation/id1442489270) | — | Free | Medical | | [ImmerseRx mNSCLC Immunotherapy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/immerserx-mnsclc-immunotherapy/id1640327940) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Medical | | [Verifie Health](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/verifie-health/id1594121580) | — | Free | Medical | | [TOKA Surgery Simulator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/toka-surgery-simulator/id1589939900) | 2.0 (6) | Free | Medical | | [AGS GRS 11 Flashcards](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ags-grs-11-flashcards/id1601363360) | 2.0 (4) | Free | Medical | ## More apps by Braille Institute - [TRP News](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trp-news/id515633905) - [iBraille Challenge](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibraille-challenge/id1373878444) All apps by Braille Institute: https://appshunter.io/developer/515633908 ## Related topics [vision insites](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/vision-insites) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-09.*