Talk to the school and talk to the other schools as well. The issues aren't just visual acuity but field of view, central vision obstruction, night vision. If you will benefit from the dog then they will consider you. What does your O and M say about whether a dog would be of help considering your visual abilities and current mobility?

You might also be asked to wear to sunglasses or blackout goggles during training at some schools. You have to be willing to trust the dog and not your sight. Some people can't manage that and are constantly second guessing the dog. Schools like Guide Dogs for the Blind have specialized training for low vision handlers that focus on working with your available vision.

My vision is pretty similar to yours, and I’m going to the Seeing Eye for my first dog tomorrow (!!). I am pretty severely photophobic, though, so my vision is significantly worse outdoors. I definitely had similar worries to you; reach out to the Seeing Eye, they’re so nice and they’ll be able to help you! My understanding is that the decision of eligibility is pretty individual, not based purely on visual acuity, but I’m really not sure.

Hi there! I can only speak from my personal experience, but here’s what I can tell you. I’m 19, and I got my guide just a month after I turned 18 last year. I’m fully blind in one eye, but in the other I’m roughly 20/200 (it fluctuates), and I still qualified.

Also, this is just personal opinion, but I would suggest doing a little research into Guide Dogs for the Blind. That’s where I got my guide, and they’re honestly amazing. It was absolutely free, I didn’t pay a cent, they even paid for the plane tickets to fly me there and back. Plus, they also cover their dogs’ medical expenses for life. I don’t know much about The Seeing Eye, I’m sure it has its own benefits, but I just wanted to mention an alternate option.

Good luck!

This is a very common worry. There's no harm in applying; the guide dog school will be able to tell you.

I think if you have training and can show a need you will qualify

They might say you have too much vision to fully rely on the dog. Which will be confusing for the dog.

when training with a dog, the expectation is that you aren't relying on vision and directing the dog where to go. You need to be able to let the dog guide you. There is a chance that unless you're vision is progressive, you may be denied, but I think you should apply of course!

First, I have been to the Seeing Eye and received my first dog in 2016. It is an absolutely amazing organization and everyone that works there are just absolutely awesome. Getting my dog definitely changed my life. Not sure on the criteria of who gets excepted and doesn’t, but what I will tell you is one of the people in my group had to wear sleep shades while working his dog because his vision was not as bad as the rest of us. Chances are you will have to do the same. Just be totally honest with them and if you don’t qualify you can always apply again if your vision gets worse.. any specific questions feel free to ask.