Resources for Blind and Low Vision Veterans 

Vision loss resulting from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) dates back to the dawn of human conflict. Since the brain dedicates an extensive network of tissues and pathways to processing sight, an injury to the head risks can cause serious, lasting visual impairment. For veterans and active-duty service members, understanding this complex injury and knowing where to find help becomes a critical first step toward recovery and independence. 

The Invisible Wound: TBI and Vision Trauma 

The conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq significantly heightened awareness of the connection between blast exposure, head injury, and subsequent vision loss. These wars resulted in over 253,000 TBIs among U.S. troops.  

The financial cost of these injuries is staggering: initial direct medical expenses reached an estimated $2.82 billion. However, the long-term cost to the economy—encompassing rehabilitation, lost wages, and lifelong care for these veterans—is projected to be an additional $24.286 billion. These figures underscore the enormous impact TBI-related vision problems inflict on individuals and the nation. 

The Overlooked Crisis: TBI in Civilian Life 

While military numbers are substantial, the sheer scale of civilian TBI-related vision problems is much larger. Annually, approximately 2.8 million Americans sustain a TBI. Although most are considered mild, even mild cases can have a severe impact on visual function. Estimates indicate that 68% of all TBIs result in some form of vision change or dysfunction.  

Visual Dysfunction: More Than Just Blurry Sight 

The most common visual consequence of TBI involves visual dysfunction, rather than simple acuity loss. These problems arise when the brain struggles to coordinate the eyes, process visual information, or interpret space. 

• Common Dysfunctions: These deficits include difficulty with accommodation (changing focus), convergence (making the eyes team together), saccades (making quick eye jumps, vital for reading), and pursuits (smoothly tracking moving objects). 

• Life Impact: These issues significantly impact daily life, causing problems such as impaired reading ability, motion sensitivity, balance issues, and occasionally headaches or nausea. In severe cases, they compromise a person’s ability to drive, work, or pursue an education. 

A key issue for diagnosis is that TBI often does not affect visual acuity; a veteran may still read the 20/20 line. As a result, many medical professionals initially overlook the visual injury. A veteran might experience the loss of a visual field (e.g., losing peripheral vision) and attribute their resulting clumsiness or inability to find objects to generalized “brain fog” rather than a specific vision problem. 

Eye care professionals must address this challenge. They need to actively inquire about any history of TBI and use specific examination techniques, such as assessing the near point of convergence and eye-tracking movements, to identify these often-missed dysfunctions. 

Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) 

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) has served as the exclusive, congressionally chartered voice for blinded veterans since its founding in 1945. A courageous group of war-blinded service members recovering at an Army hospital established the BVA to ensure their peers received world-class care and support. 

• Pioneering Advocacy: BVA played a pivotal role in persuading the VA to assume responsibility for the care of war-blinded veterans after World War II, which directly led to the establishment of the first comprehensive Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in 1948. 

• Direct Support: The BVA’s services are available to all legally blinded veterans, regardless of whether their vision loss is service-connected. Field Service Representatives, who are often blind or have low vision themselves, provide hands-on assistance, offer practical advice, and serve as effective role models. They help veterans navigate the complex VA benefit claims process and connect them with local services. 

• Community: The BVA maintains 54 regional groups nationwide, fostering fellowship, offering peer support, and providing a platform for local advocacy. BVA also champions the provision of scholarships for the spouses and dependents of veterans who are blinded. 

VA Blind Rehabilitation Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the first and only national healthcare system to seamlessly integrate rehabilitation services for vision loss into its health benefits. The VA Blind Rehabilitation Service (BRS) provides a continuum of care that extends from the veteran’s home to specialized inpatient centers. 

• VIST Coordinators: Veterans experiencing uncorrectable vision loss that interferes with daily tasks should contact the Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator at their nearest VA medical center immediately. This coordinator manages the veteran’s lifetime care plan. 

• Comprehensive Training: BRS provides intensive, interdisciplinary programs that equip veterans with new skills for personal independence. Training covers: 

• Orientation and Mobility (O&M): Essential techniques for safely and confidently navigating the environment. 

• Assistive Technology: Instruction covers mastering personal technology, including smartphones, smart speakers, computers with screen-reading and magnification software, and specialized tools such as talking book players. 

• Daily Living Skills: Adaptive techniques for cooking, cleaning, managing finances, and organizing one’s home. 

• Counseling and Support: Services to help veterans adjust to vision loss and foster successful reintegration into the community. 

Essential Resources for Every Veteran 

Beyond the BVA and VA, a strong network of organizations helps veterans facing TBI-related vision loss: 

• Polytrauma System of Care (PSC): The VA’s PSC provides integrated care for veterans recovering from Polytrauma injuries, operating through regional Rehabilitation Centers and supportive clinics across the country. 

• Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): WWP empowers post-9/11 service members through various programs addressing both physical and psychological wounds, including support for TBI and resulting vision issues. 

• Legal Aid and Advocacy: Organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) provide free assistance with obtaining VA benefits and navigating complex disability claims. 

• Mental Health Support: The Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-TALK (8255) offers immediate, confidential help for veterans struggling with the emotional toll of injury and transition. 

• Adaptive Programs: Specialized groups, such as Dogs Inc. (formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs) and Sun Valley Adaptive Sports, provide guide dogs and free adaptive recreation, helping veterans regain confidence and joy through movement and activity. 

We owe it to our service members to ensure they receive the specialized care their sacrifice demands. By promoting awareness of TBI-related vision problems and actively utilizing these resources, veterans have the tools they need to reclaim their independence and lead fulfilling lives.