When your vision changes, it’s easy to think you just have to "tough it out." But that’s not the only way forward, and it’s not always the best way, either.
Real help is out there from people who understand vision loss and are ready to help you keep living your life, your way. You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming. Reaching out can help you stay connected and gain a little more confidence.
Here’s what vision support can look like, including some free Hadley workshops to help along the way.
Everyday Life, Your Way: Vision Rehab
Vision rehabilitation is all about doing what matters to you, safely and confidently. Want to keep cooking? Read your mail without stress? Stay on top of your medications?
A vision rehab therapist can help you adapt tasks using your remaining vision or teach new ways to do them without vision.
Getting Around Safely: Orientation and Mobility
Want to move around your home more comfortably? Cross the street with confidence? Explore your neighborhood again?
An orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist can teach you safe travel skills, step by step.
And if you’re curious about using a white cane, this specialist will help you decide what’s right for you and show you how to get started.
Smart Tools That Help with Vision Loss
Magnifiers, high-contrast labels, talking clocks, and smartphone apps that describe your surroundings aren’t just gadgets. They’re everyday lifelines.
A low vision specialist assesses how you see, finds the tools that actually fit your life—such as better lighting and magnifiers—and shows you how to use them.
More Practical Help with Vision Rehab
Here are some resources for finding vision rehabilitation support:
- You can visit this online directory from APH Connect or call 800-223-5463 to find an agency in your state and region.
- Visit this page from the National Eye Institute on free or low-cost eye care or call 301-496-5248.
- The Veterans Administration offers blind and low vision rehabilitation services for veterans (800-698-2411).
- You can also call Hadley at 800-323-4238, and we can help you find vision rehabilitation resources.
Want to learn more? Check out Hadley’s podcast episode: “A Guide to Vision Rehab” on Hadley Presents. And Hadley’s series You, Your Vision, and Your Doctor offers help with vision terminology, adjusting to vision loss, and preparing to see an eye doctor.
Coping with Vision Loss
Hadley member Daryl Pratt shares how a referral to a low vision specialist made a difference in Insights & Sound Bites episode Things Turned Around for Me.
You can listen to Hadley’s podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or by phone: 847-558-1317.
Connect with Others: Resource Roundtable
Looking for resources specific to vision loss? Have some to share? Join Resource Roundtable, a monthly discussion group, and discover and share tips for connecting to the information and support you are looking for.
You’re Not Alone
If you're wondering what support is out there or just need someone to talk to, Hadley is here. Call us at 800-323-4238 or email [email protected].
If you’re experiencing vision loss, what help have you found? What are some things you wish you could find a way to do again?