AIM: To comparatively assess the vision-related quality of life among visually impaired adult patients seen at the Eye Clinic, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a comparative cross sectional study, which consisted of two study groups namely the visually impaired group (cases) and the normal vision group (control). Data was obtained using an interviewer-administered NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire and an ocular examination proforma. A consecutive sampling method was used to select eligible participants. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. RESULTS: A total of 540 individuals aged from 18 to 90 years participated in the study out of which 270(50.0%) had normal vision (control group) while the remaining 270(50.0%) had visual impairment (cases). The age distribution between the comparative arms was similar while the difference in mean age was not statistically significant (p=0.853). In order of decreasing frequency, refractive errors (36.0%), Cataract (27.8%), and glaucoma (20.4%) were the common causes of visual impairment. Mean total VF scores for participants with normal vision (control group) was the highest, followed by that of those with moderate VI, then severe VI. The least mean score was that of participants with blindness (96.06±10.63, 64.05±32.24, 50.87±21.72 and 10.26±23.45 respectively). This difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The total mean score for visual function and quality of life were significantly lower for those who had glaucoma, but significantly better for those with refractive errors. Significantly low mean VF scores occurred among those who were older, rural dwellers, widowed, and those who had no education (p<0.05). Significantly low QOL mean scores occurred among those who were older, rural dwellers, widows/widowers and those who had no education (p<0.05).