February has been declared as Low Vision Awareness Month

Every year the National Eye Institute (NEI) designates February as the month of February Visual Impairment Awareness Month. APHVisionAware is collaborating with NEI to promote this important event. Why? The number of elderly people with visual impairment is increasing and is expected to grow significantly over the next few years. As indicated by the National Eye Institute“Poor vision can make it difficult to do daily activities… The good news is that vision rehabilitation services can help people… get the most out of their vision – and continue doing the things they love.”

Unfortunately, vision rehabilitation is one of the “best kept secrets.” According to National Health Interview SurveyLess than 1% of visually impaired seniors received rehabilitation services in 2023. Why? Many individuals are not aware of the services or believe that the services are only offered to blind people. Services may also be limited due to funding and staff shortages in some areas of the country.

What are vision rehabilitation services?

As stated in VisionAware“The term ‘vision rehabilitation’ includes a wide range of professional services that can restore performance after vision loss, just as physical therapy restores function after a stroke or other injury. Vision rehabilitation services allow people who have recently lost vision, are blind, or have low vision to continue to live independently and maintain their usual quality of life. These services are provided by vision rehabilitation specialists and low vision therapists as orientation and mobility specialists with special training. They teach how to do everyday tasks, use Optical and non-optical devices, and cane skills to navigate safely and efficiently.

What do people say about vision rehabilitation services?

“When I first started losing my vision, one of the most helpful things I did was go to a rehab provider in my state,” says Esther Smith, an older woman with age-related macular degeneration. “Since then, I’ve helped other friends with vision loss go through the process. It varies from state to state. But be sure to let your counselor know what you have in mind. They may be able to help in ways you never dreamed possible. Remember, it’s a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. Like anything worthwhile to do, it takes Time, perseverance, and hard work, and I hope you find rehab services as helpful as I have.

How do you find services?

APH Connect Center offers a List of specialized resources To help you find the right help.

You can also visit Time to be bold For lists of state agencies by state.

APH VisionAware offers many resources to help you on your low vision journey

New to vision loss Includes basic information you need to know Eye health and vision changes, Helping you and your family cope emotionally, Support groupsand activities of daily living such asMedication management, Personal hygieneand Communicate your needs.

But don’t stop there. Take charge of your life. Learn more about Living with blindness and low vision, Useful products and technology, recreationand Wandering around. There’s even a section for Families, friends and professionals.