site.bta Blind or Visually Impaired Bulgarians Estimated at up to 35,000, but No Official Statistics Is Available

Between 30,000 and 35,000 people in Bulgaria are estimated to be blind or visually impaired, but there are no official statistics on their number, said Vasil Dolapchiev from the Union of the Blind in Bulgaria. Speaking to BTA on the occasion of the International Day of the Blind, he noted that about 8,500 to 9,000 people have a permanent visual impairment of 50–100%.

Blindness remains one of the most serious disabilities, hindering social integration. He emphasized the importance of long-term efforts to improve social inclusion, access to services, and opportunities for protected employment, Dolapchiev said.

Events marking the day in Bulgaria will focus on inclusion and better living conditions for people with visual impairments. The Louis Braille 1928 National Cultural Centre of the Blind in Sofia will host discussions, exhibitions, and a free film screening with audio description for blind and partially sighted audiences.