Rehabilitation

 For Seniors with Vision Loss

Vision rehabilitation provides the tools and training to maintain independence after vision loss. This field offers a broad range of professional services, such as low vision evaluation, vision loss counseling, training in independent living skills and orientation and mobility, reading and writing skills, and vocational rehabilitation.

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.

Vision Rehabilitation: Introduction

Betrayed By Our Bodies — Sensory Loss in Aging, For the Record
Sensory loss can diminish the quality of life for older adults, and this article discusses how rehabilitation can help.

Low Vision Rehabilitation: An Introduction, Rehabilitation Professional Journal
What to expect when undertaking low vision rehabilitation: the low vision exam, functional history, various rehab plans and low vision systems; includes case studies.

Things You Should Know About Getting the Most Out of the Vision Rehabilitation System, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Helpful suggestions for navigating the vision rehabilitation system and getting the best possible services.

Special Services to Help Older Persons Experiencing Vision Loss, American Foundation for the Blind
A brief introduction to vision-related rehabilitation services; available in English and Spanish.

Support Systems for You and Your Older Relative, American Foundation for the Blind
An overview of the assistance available to older adults, including rehabilitation and community support agencies; available in English and Spanish.

Vision Loss Specialists: A Guide to Rehabilitation Assistance and Where to Find It, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
An overview of the specialties of rehabilitation professionals, and how to find them through community vision rehabilitation agencies.

Vision Rehabilitation Services, VisionAWARE
Vision rehabilitation services: what they are and how to find them.

Vision Rehabilitation Services for Older People who are Visually Impaired, American Foundation for the Blind
The need for and the challenges of providing vision rehabilitation services for older adults.

Vision Rehabilitation: Organizations & Resources to Explore

Vision Rehab Digest, The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)—Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc.
A newsletter with articles on all aspects of low vision and vision rehabilitation. Although it’s aimed at eye care specialists, it is of interest to consumers and family members.

- Back to top -

Connecting with Vision Rehabilitation Services

Elder Services: How to Find Services Specific to Older Persons, Vision AWARE
An overview of the network of services for older adults.

Find Senior Services, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
A searchable directory of services specifically for older adults with vision loss—classes, organizations, support groups, and other organizations.

Overview of Services, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Resources available through federal, state, and local agencies for people over age 55 with vision loss.

Financial Assistance for Vision Rehabilitation Services

Paying for Vision Rehabilitation: Costs and Tax Information, VisionAWARE
Information about paying for vision rehabilitation services, financial assistance, tax deductions, and disability and Medicare benefits.

Research: Vision Rehabilitation

Estimated Number of Persons Eligible for Vision Rehabilitation Services Under Expanded Medicare, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
This article considers the estimated number of Medicare beneficiaries who are blind or have low vision and how many are likely to benefit from vision rehabilitation services.

Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Comparison of Traditional and Extended Teaching Programs, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
This study compares outcomes between a traditional low-vision training program and an extended program for clients with age-related macular degeneration.

Vision Rehabilitation: Care and Benefit Plan Models, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
This literature review explores various service delivery and financing models for vision rehabilitation, and examines evidence on its effectiveness in comparison to rehabilitation for other chronic impairments.

- Back to top -

Vision Rehabilitation Professionals: Advice & Resources

The Low Vision Rehabilitation Service. Part Two: Putting The Program Into Practice, The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice
Assessing low vision, providing clinical services, and establishing an adaptive training and instructional program, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration.

Occupational Therapy Interventions in Low Vision Rehabilitation
The importance of including occupational therapy as part of a multi-disciplinary approach to vision rehabilitation.

Vision Rehabilitation for Adults: Preferred Practice Patterns, American Academy of Ophthalmologists
Reducing the impact of vision loss on older adults’ daily lives in order to maintain independence, activity, safety, and life satisfaction.

Vision Rehabilitation for Elderly Individuals with Low Vision or Blindness, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
This 257-page report reviews statistics on need for, use of, and effectiveness of vision rehabilitation services, and examines training and practice guidelines.

- Back to top -