New to Vision Loss?

Starting a journey with vision loss can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Welcome to “New to Vision Loss?”—your essential guide for the beginning of this chapter. This section is specifically curated to provide supportive, clear, and practical information for those who are newly diagnosed or starting to adjust. You’ll find articles covering everything from understanding your condition and coping emotionally, to practical steps for rehabilitation and finding support groups. We also offer dedicated resources to help family members, friends, and professionals better understand your experience and provide the most helpful guidance. Think of this as your starting point to move forward confidently and informed.

Emotional Adjustment to Declining Vision: It’s A Family Matter

Declining vision, and even the diagnosis of an eye condition, is an emotional experience for anyone experiencing it. Age, experience, and a person’s personality and self-esteem all play key roles in their ability to respond to life’s challenges. This includes adapting to the onset of a disability. However, it can often be just as difficult for the loved ones around them. Vision changes often create feelings of immense loss or […]

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Meeting, Guiding, and Orienting a Person Who is Blind or Low Vision

Family, friends, and professionals are often unsure of how to interact with and assist older people who are blind or low vision. They aren’t sure what individuals can see, what is considered standard courtesy, and what type of assistance older people who are blind or low vision may desire. Know that the vision of one […]

Medication Management for Blind & Low Vision: Tips, Tools, and Safety

Managing medications and eye drops safely is essential for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for individuals who are blind or have low vision. From identifying pills to keeping track of dosages and administering eye drops, small adaptations can make a big difference in independence and safety. This guide brings together practical tips, labeling […]

Starting and Finding Support Groups for People with Vision Loss

Support groups can be pivotal to adjusting to vision loss. But what should you do if there are not any in your region? Have you ever thought of starting a support group for people who are blind or low vision in your community? Whether you are a professional who works with people affected by vision […]

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Labeling and Marking: A Guide for Low Vision and Blindness

Living with vision changes or blindness often involves navigating unique challenges. Tasks like identifying household items, organizing medications, or distinguishing clothing may feel frustrating. A thoughtful and consistent labeling and marking system will enhance independence and streamline everyday routines. This guide explores practical strategies, from utilizing common household items to leveraging specialized low cost/low tech […]

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Personal Care and Hygiene for Blind Adults

Maintaining personal hygiene is an essential part of health, confidence, and independence, but vision loss can make everyday routines like brushing teeth, trimming nails, and shaving feel challenging. With the right techniques, adaptive tools, and a few practical strategies, people who are blind or low vision can perform these tasks safely, efficiently, and confidently. Brushing […]

Communicating Your Needs When Blind or Low Vision

Vision changes can present new challenges, especially when it comes to communicating needs effectively. Learning to advocate for yourself and clearly express your needs is a vital skill for individuals experiencing changes in their vision. This article offers practical advice and tips empowering you to navigate these conversations with confidence. Self-Advocacy is Key Healthy and […]

Understanding Vision Rehabilitation

The term “vision rehabilitation” includes a wide range of professional services that can restore functioning after declining vision, 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 accustomed […]