A city is ravaged by an epidemic of instant "white blindness". Those first afflicted are quarantined by the authorities in an abandoned mental hospital where the newly created "society of the blind" quickly breaks down. Criminals and the physically powerful prey upon the weak, hording the meager food rations and committing horrific acts. There is however one eyewitness to the nightmare. A woman whose sight is unaffected by the plague follows her afflicted husband to quarantine. There, keeping her sight a secret, she guides seven strangers who have become, in essence, a family. She leads them out of quarantine and onto the ravaged streets of the city, which has seen all vestiges of civilization crumble.

Retinal diseases are leading causes of irreversible visual impairment and blindness, affecting over 100 million individuals worldwide. Age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma are the leading causes of blindness in the elderly, while diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of visual impairment in middle-aged individuals. The prevalence of all three of these retinal diseases will continue to increase as our world’s populations continue to age and diabetes becomes endemic.

Hysterical Blindness
Samuel prepares for new additions to his family, while Lydia warns him of the consequences. Claire discovers that her roommate Gretchen may have a hidden agenda. Meanwhile, Peter finds an unexpected way to connect with Emma, who would prefer to stay distant. Elsewhere, a different side of Sylar emerges as he desperately tries to remember the person he used to be

Samuel prepares for new additions to his family, while Lydia warns him of the consequences. Claire discovers that her roommate Gretchen may have a hidden agenda. Meanwhile, Peter finds an unexpected way to connect with Emma, who would prefer to stay distant. Elsewhere, a different side of Sylar emerges as he desperately tries to remember the person he used to be.

Though these eyes are broken, well these ears truly see right...in black and white. Lachi sings, referring to her legal blindness, and her true ability to see through black and white piano keys.