What does it mean to be blind? A US writer chronicles the loss of his vision

In his book, 'The Country Of The Blind', Leland explores the history, the culture, and the experiences of blind people. Photo: The New York Times

In 2019, Andrew Leland began writing a book about blindness, even as he was going steadily blind himself.

Working as his vision deteriorated gave him an insider’s perspective – who better to write about the blind than the blind? – but, as he learned, also made writing and reporting the book something of a trial.