From website articles to research summaries, training programs, certifications, workshops, and more, an array of tools and support are available for professionals who work with older adults living with blindness or vision loss.

Dispelling myths about low vision and aging

Before delving into helpful resources, let us dismiss the common misperception that significant vision loss is a normal part of aging. It’s certainly not, and you can help clients identify changes in their vision and suggest they schedule regular eye exams.

Comprehensive eye exams can help ensure your clients receive proper diagnosis, vision correction, and any necessary medical treatment. These measures can protect sight, often slowing the progression of age-related eye diseases and related vision loss. Learn more about eye exams and recommended timing from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and eye exam access for uninsured and underinsured adults through its EyeCare America program. 

For clients with vision loss that impacts their activities of daily living, it’s best to refer them for vision rehabilitation early, enabling them to develop adaptive skills and access support while they have as much residual vision as possible. Find a local vision rehabilitation agency at VisionServe or Time to Be Bold. In many cases, services are free.

Toolkits for professionals

The Aging and Vision Loss National Coalition (AVLNC) offers a Toolkit with information and resources to assist all professionals working with adults with vision loss. In addition to highlighting the prevalence of vision loss among adults 65 and older, this toolkit also helps identify ways to determine if a client may have a vision problem caused by an age-related eye disease.  

NCOA offers a broad range of information, resources, and toolkits, such as their work in falls prevention. Tools include a Home Safety Checklist (great for all clients, including those with vision loss) and the bilingual Falls Free CheckUp, to help clients assess their risk of falls.  

These resources offer valuable insights for professionals like you and are also ideal for sharing with your clients. Vision rehabilitation can also help clients with vision loss further increase their home safety. Family members and others living in a household with an adult who is blind or has low vision can also learn the best methods for keeping their home safe, labeled, and organized to reduce the risk of falls and address other safety issues.

Articles for professionals, older adults, and caregivers

NCOA offers an in-depth series of articles on vision-related topics, as well as vision rehabilitation services and training, providing life-changing benefits. Articles highlight important information on age-related eye diseases and vision rehabilitation services that can improve safety, build confidence, and foster independence—even when medical treatments are no longer effective.  

Some examples:

• How to Connect Older Adults to Life-Chaning Vision Rehabilitation Services
• How to Help Adults with Vision Loss Stay Fully Engaged with Life
• How Referring Adults to Vision Rehabilitation Can Strengthen Their Medical Care Relationships
• Mental Health Risk and Vision Loss: How to Help
• Understanding Older Adults with Vision Loss

There are also NCOA articles that are ideal for your clients living with vision loss, their families, and caregivers. To access more articles, search for “vision rehabilitation” on this website.  

More information and resources for professionals

The National Eye Institute (NEI) offers extensive information on vision loss, eye diseases, outreach materials, videos, the latest developments in vision research, and additional resources to support you and your clients.  

The American Academy of Ophthalmology also provides professional information and maintains a dedicated patient website section. It’s an excellent source of information on eye diseases and guidelines for comprehensive and low vision exams. It highlights the scope of chronic conditions beyond vision that can be detected during an eye exam.  

National organizations supporting professionals and people living with blindness and low vision also provide vital education and resources, such as the American Council of the Blind (including resources, accessibility, and employment information), APH Connect Center (including VisionAware, offering coping strategies and an expert hotline), Hadley (offering online courses, videos, and support groups), and the National Federation of the Blind (with added resources and community support), and VisionServe Alliance (featuring the Big Data Project Reports, highlighting the prevalence of vision loss in your state and county, plus national data, and the impact of vision loss across all Social Determinants of Health). 

The Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC) offers online training courses and resources, including informative fact sheets and research article summaries, for professionals.  

Through these organizations, you can also access a wide range of podcasts, blogs, and webinars covering various topics relevant to professionals and clients living with vision loss.

Refer clients to a local vision rehabilitation agency 

You can make a significant difference in your clients’ lives by connecting them to a local vision rehabilitation agency through VisionServe or Time to Be Bold. It’s a simple step that can lead clients down the path to developing new skills, enhancing self-advocacy, and increasing their safety, confidence, and independence.  

Rewarding careers in vision rehabilitation 

For vision professionals or those interested in a career as a vision rehabilitation professional, visit the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) to learn more about available careers and certifications. The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired (AER), a membership organization serving professionals who work with blind and visually impaired individuals, offers resources and professional journals.