A cross-sectional population (community) based survey using multistage simple random sampling method was carried out in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo state, Nigeria. The study aimed at determining the prevalence and causes of blindness and low vision in the area of study. Six to eight households were randomly selected from each of the fifteen randomly selected quarters. The residents in each of the selected households first had their personal data collected and visual acuity assessed. External eye examination was done using the pentorch and magnifying loupe followed by fundoscopy using the direct ophthalmoscope. Indentation tonometry using the Schiotz tonometer was done where necessary. The causes of blindness and low vision was then determined and recorded. The prevalence of blindness in this study was 0.9% with cataract (60%) and glaucoma (26.6%) being the major causes of blindness. The unilateral blindness prevalence was 3.1% with cataract 42%, glaucoma 24%, corneal opacity 14% and phthisis bulbi 12% being the main causes of unilateral blindness. The prevalence of low vision was 2.4% with cataract being responsible for 48.7%, glaucoma 25.6%, refractive error 12.8% and age related macular degeneration 10.3%. Most of the persons with bilateral blindness were 60 years and above while the majority of persons with unilateral or bilateral low vision as well as unilateral blindness were aged 40 years and above. Avoidable causes accounted for over 80% of blindness and low vision. Recommendations have been made regarding strategies for reducing the prevalence of blindness and low vision in Esan Central Local Government Area.