The VA provides rehabilitation programs targeting low vision and blind veterans, and is also aggressively pursuing innovative service delivery models.  The challenge of helping these low vision and blind veterans has greatly increased, and the Department of Veterans Affairs has made a commitment to provide world-class rehabilitation training by enhancing services, improving access to care and increasing patient satisfaction for veterans with visual impairments.

The current estimated number of legally blind veterans in the United States is more than 160,000 (De l’Aune, 2002). Currently, over 35,000 veterans have enrolled for VA care. This number is expected to grow in the coming years as a result of aging of the veteran population, because the most prevalent causes of legal blindness are age-related.

In the United States the number of veterans diagnosed with low vision (those individuals who have a significant, uncorrectable visual impairment from 20/70 to 20/190, but who are not legally blind) is currently estimated to be more than one million veterans (De l’Aune, 2002). The most common causes of low vision are age-related as well.

The impact of blindness is very individualized and includes a wide range of eye conditions, from the older veteran whose vision gradually worsens due to macular degeneration or some other age-related eye problems, to the serviceperson who is totally blind from traumatic injury. Veterans who must cope with a significant loss of vision require individualized, specialized care and treatment suited to their specific cause of blindness. Physical and medical condition, age, ability to cope with frustrating situations, learning ability, and the overall needs and lifestyle of the veteran are important considerations.

A person confronted with blindness may feel limited and frustrated in performing everyday activities previously taken for granted. Tasks such as dressing, eating, writing, reading, and traveling may become difficult to perform independently. Communication with other people by ordinary means is often hampered, as is the ability to keep up with the daily news and current events. Social interaction, recreation, and hobbies may also be limited or curtailed as a result of vision impairment.

Frequently a person may be forced into premature retirement because of vision loss, often resulting in loss of income and financial security. As a result of the numerous negative outcomes, it is not uncommon for the newly blinded individual to undergo a period of personal stress. Individuals facing blindness and vision impairment may lose self-esteem, or believe the future holds little promise. Spouses, families, and loved ones may experience pressure, strain or uncertainty.

Loss of sight affects each person differently and may hinder overall functioning, including employment, recreation, communication, and social, and family life. To help the veteran cope with these problems the Department of Veterans Affairs established the Blind Rehabilitation Service to provide a wide variety of rehabilitation programs and services to veterans who are blind. The rehabilitation program is designed to improve quality of life for veterans who are blind or severely visually impaired through the development and enhancement of skills and capabilities needed for personal independence, adjustment, and successful reintegration into the community and family environment. Elements of the blind rehabilitation program include: 10 Blind Rehabilitation Centers, Visual Impairment Services Teams (VIST) and VIST Coordinators located at many VA Medical Centers and VA Outpatient Clinics, Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS),  National Consultants, and a Computer Access Training (CAT) Program. In addition, there are a variety of low vision services and blind rehabilitation programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs system including: Visual Impairment Services Outpatient Rehabilitation (VISOR) programs, Visual Impairment Centers to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORS) programs, Intermediate Low Vision Clinics, Advanced Ambulatory Low Vision Clinics and Advanced Hoptel Outpatient Blind Rehabilitation Programs. The VA Blind Rehabilitation Service is committed to a continuum of care model that extends from the veteran’s home environment to the local VA care site and regionally-based inpatient training programs encompassing an array of alternative rehabilitative services. The following will describe in detail the programs offered in Blind Rehabilitation Service, as well as low vision services available at local VA Medical Centers and Outpatient Clinics.

The Blind Rehabilitation Centers

In 1948 the first Blind Rehabilitation Center was opened at the VA Hospital in Hines , Illinois (just west of Chicago ). To meet the demand of increasing numbers of blind veterans, additional Blind Centers were later strategically located at VA Medical Centers throughout the United States, including: Palo Alto, California, 1967; West Haven, Connecticut, 1969; American Lake, Washington, 1971; Waco, Texas, 1974; Birmingham, Alabama, 1982; San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1985; Tucson, Arizona, 1994; Augusta, Georgia, 1996; and West Palm Beach, Florida, 2000. Future plans include the addition of new blind centers.

The Blind Rehabilitation Centers provide rehabilitation to legally blind veterans. Comprehensive, individualized blind rehabilitation services are provided in an inpatient VA Medical Center environment by a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation specialists. A Computer Access Training Program (CAT) is offered as part of the comprehensive training or as a specialized inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation option. Attendance in a rehabilitation program requires that all veterans participate in ongoing daily activities, and veterans must meet specific travel requirements in order to attend. All medical conditions that a veteran may currently have, in addition to visual impairment, must be stable enough to permit participation in rehabilitation activities. The management of chronic medical conditions is addressed as part of the training regimen, with many veterans experiencing improvement during their stay.

VA’s Blind Rehabilitation Program has many years of experience and has found that comprehensive rehabilitation is usually the best course to follow for those who are legally or totally blind. Highly qualified professional staff members guide the individual through a rehabilitation process that leads to maximum adjustment to the disability, reorganization of the person’s life, and return to a contributing place in the family and community. To achieve comprehensive rehabilitation, the Blind Rehabilitation Centers offer a variety of skill courses to the veteran, each of which is designed to help achieve a realistic level of independence. The veteran is also assisted in developing a healthy attitude toward himself, blindness, and the future.

Training Provided at Blind Rehabilitation Centers

Orientation and Mobility

Principles of independent travel (often referred to as Orientation and Mobility) are taught using a cane.” Maximum use of any remaining vision to assist travel is evaluated, and in many cases low vision devices are provided and made an integral part of mobility training. Sensory training classes teach the veteran how to more effectively use remaining senses, particularly hearing, as an aid in travel. In addition, exercises in mental mapping serve to enhance the veteran’s orientation while traveling through different kinds of environments.

Orientation and Mobility instruction in relatively simple routes to increasingly complex routes builds the veteran's confidence in the ability to travel independently. By the completion of the instruction the veteran should have a realistic understanding of his or her travel capacity, and the ability to travel safely and independently in both familiar and unfamiliar areas.

Living Skills

This phase of the rehabilitation program includes communication, activities of daily living, and independent living.

Communication:  Instruction is designed to enhance and restore abilities in written and spoken communication. Opportunities to learn and use strategies and tools for communication are provided to the veteran, such as typing, handwriting, telling time, management of financial records, Braille, recording devices and other electronic equipment. These courses help the veteran to keep up with current events, correspondence and personal files, and help to maintain a normal means of communication with other people.

Activities of Daily Living: Strategies are provided to the veterans to help them accomplish tasks ranging from routine (managing money, making a cup of coffee) to complex activities such as arranging an entire wardrobe, shopping, kitchen organization, and preparation of complete meals. The emphasis is on learning by doing; techniques and methods are taught and then integrated into the veteran's daily routine. By the completion of the program the veteran should be capable of handling daily living tasks with complete or greatly enhanced independence. Family members often experience a reduction in the burden of care they have been providing to the visually impaired family member.

Independent Living Program: Each Blind Rehabilitation Center has established an independent living program that is designed primarily for those veterans who will be living alone following their rehabilitation. After extensive instruction, the veteran is given an opportunity to practice newly acquired skills. The veteran can experience countless tasks typically encountered when living independently, and the veteran can devise solutions to many of these problems before returning home.

The Living Skills Instructors also arrange consultations with the VA Medical Center dietetic service so veterans have the opportunity to meet with a dietitian. This is particularly important for those veterans who may require special diets and who may require education concerning these diets. Detailed instructions in preparation of special diets can be provided and daily nutrition can be monitored.

Manual Skills

This program area provides the veteran who has little or no vision with the means to develop and improve organizational skills, awareness of the environment, safe and efficient work habits, spatial relationships, and an understanding and mastery of tactual ability. The manual skills training focuses on the sequential development of skills and builds confidence. Training is generally presented to the veteran in several areas, and may include (but is not limited to) handcrafts, home mechanics, woodworking, metalworking, leatherwork, weaving and ceramics.

The initial training area consists of hand crafting objects in order to develop the individual’s confidence in their non-visual senses. The home mechanics training is an introduction to the tools and organizational techniques that allows an individual to perform simple repairs and assembly. Advanced training focuses on the use of adaptive measuring devices, hand tools and power equipment typically used in woodworking.

The manual skills training is not vocational, although some veterans have developed vocational interests or hobbies after participating in this training. Manual skills training may enable a veteran to resume performing home repairs or other related activities at home, further adding to the person's self-confidence and motivation. Veterans who enter blind rehabilitation with minimal abilities in manual skills or those who are slightly skilled in aspects of mechanics or woodworking find this training very beneficial.

Visual Skills

Approximately 85 percent of all veterans who enter a rehabilitation program possess some level of vision that may be useful in many situations. Each veteran attending the program is given a comprehensive eye examination, and a thorough visual skills assessment is performed.

Visual skills training addresses the needs of veterans with remaining vision and helps these individuals gain a better understanding of their eye problems through therapy. Instruction focuses on effective use of remaining vision through the development and use of visual motor and visual perceptual skills. Assessment and instruction with special optical and electronic devices that are designed to meet the needs of people who are visually impaired is provided. Ergonomic equipment such as special lighting and positioning devices are provided to assist veterans in using vision effectively. Lessons may employ the use of visual and ergonomic equipment and visual skills that address near, intermediate and distance tasks. This approach allows veterans who have vision to accomplish a variety of tasks, such as reading printed material, and to use their vision to perform routine activities of daily life, independent travel, etc.

An important goal of the visual skills area is to help the veterans to develop a realistic assessment and understanding of their visual capabilities and limitations so that they may better use their vision in daily life. 

Computer Access Training Section (CATS)

The CATS program provides specialized services to eligible veterans including: a comprehensive adaptive computer needs assessment, recommendation of appropriate computer equipment, training on recommended equipment, issuance of equipment upon successful completion of training, and follow-up technical support as required. Eligible veterans may be able to receive local training and issuance if there are local qualified providers in the veterans’ communities.

The equipment issued by CATS is state-of-the-art computer technology with all necessary peripherals and accessible hardware/software to meet the veterans’ identified needs. Training encompasses comprehensive instruction on accessible hardware/software, computer literacy, familiarization to computer keyboard, fundamentals of disk operating systems and fundamentals of word processing, internet access and email. Exceptions to this training regimen are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Conditioning

The onset of vision loss may severely disrupt exercise or recreational activities that many veterans have incorporated into their daily lives, causing a decrease in muscular tone and stamina. Each Blind Rehabilitation Center offers a program of physical training under medical supervision. Not only does this training improve the physical condition of the veteran, but it also teaches the veteran exercises that may be completed at home to maintain good health.

Exercises and activities can range from relatively moderate to relatively vigorous, depending on the ability and needs of the veteran. Even a moderate program of regular exercise can assist veterans in management of complicated medical situations. Although many veterans are uncertain at first of their ability to perform regular exercise or participate in leisure activities, they are often surprised at how much they can accomplish with time and patience.

Recreation

Just as the pattern of normal exercise and activity can be affected by blindness, so can recreation that brings pleasure and enjoyment to a person's life. Recreational activities are offered for groups as well as for individuals. Opportunities to attend sporting events, theaters, movies, concerts, as well as social gatherings of various kinds are planned for all patients. The aim of the recreation program is to renew interest in activities that have been enjoyed in the past, and to stimulate new interests. Possible social and recreational activities that may be available in the veteran's home area are discussed and strategies for realistic involvement are explored.

Adjustment to Blindness

Emotional and behavioral adjustment to blindness is often one of the most challenging issues faced by the veteran, and is a primary focus of our Clinical Psychologist, Social Worker and the rehabilitation team.

Through individual counseling sessions and group meetings, veterans are taught coping and adaptation strategies. The rehabilitation program provides a therapeutic environment where the entire staff assists the veteran in developing their own strategies.

A Clinical Psychologist is assigned to each Blind Rehabilitation Center . The Psychologist's duties include an evaluation of the veteran's adjustment strengths and limitations and counseling in individual and group sessions on various aspects of blindness and emotional adjustment. The Psychologist routinely consults with the staff of the Blind Rehabilitation Center to assure that the veteran's psychological needs are addressed in the program of rehabilitation. Planning can include vocational rehabilitation, education, job retraining, or development of a vocational interest. Vocational planning is coordinated with Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) counseling and rehabilitation staff for veterans eligible for those services. Non-eligible veterans may be referred to the appropriate state agency for additional services, if available.

The Social Worker provides assistance to veterans and designated family members in evaluating and solving social, emotional, or family problems affecting treatment. In many situations problems may be related to the adjustment to blindness, family/interpersonal relationships, financial difficulties, housing/living arrangements, and other issues. Often solutions to the multifaceted dilemmas may require linking with community resources in the veteran's home area to assure that necessary services are available and used following discharge.

Family Program :

The purpose of the family program is to involve the veteran's family in the rehabilitation process, and to demonstrate the changes the veteran has made. The family program is a very important aspect of rehabilitation, because it enlightens and educates the family member and helps to reinforce rehabilitation lessons once the veteran returns home. Moreover, the family program assists family members in their own adjustment to the veteran’s vision loss by identifying problems or misconceptions they have that may negatively affect the veteran’s adjustment.

The Social Worker designs a family program as indicated by the recommendation of the rehabilitation team and veteran's needs. In many situations the family program can be a very important aspect of rehabilitation. If a family program is recommended and approved, the veteran selects a family member with whom he/she lives to visit the Blind Rehabilitation Center . The family member stays for several days, approximately three-quarters of the way through the veteran's program. Costs of travel, lodging, and meals are sometimes defrayed by the VA facility where the Blind Rehabilitation Center is located, depending on local policy.

Group Meetings

One major strength of the residential Blind Rehabilitation Center is that it brings together people from many varied backgrounds, educational levels, and occupations who, as veterans, share one thing in common - blindness. Through interaction with other people who are experiencing the same difficulty, the group itself can frequently support individuals as they struggle with their feelings. To aid in this process, group meetings are scheduled that allow expression of feelings concerning blindness.

Team Coordinator Concept

The staff assigned to work with a particular patient forms the rehabilitation team, with the veteran as the most important member. One staff member serves as the coordinator or case manager of the team. The team coordinator follows the progress of the veteran from the day of admission until the day of discharge, assists the veteran in any way possible and monitors the veteran’s progress towards their goals. This allows one person to serve as the focal point for the veteran's rehabilitation program, so the veteran knows who is available for advice, consultation, and discussion concerning the rehabilitation program. The team is delegated responsibility for planning the details of the veteran's rehabilitation program and making adjustments as necessary. As an important part of the team approach, the veteran is involved as much as possible in the planning of the program; just as staff may suggest changes or modification to the rehabilitation plan, so may the veteran provide input to the team. In this way, the veteran becomes a member of the team and is a party to all aspects of the rehabilitation program, particularly the setting of goals and objectives. This team approach to rehabilitation is at the heart of the rehabilitation concept and helps assure accountability for the quality of patient care.

Life at the Rehabilitation Center

Eligible blinded veterans may apply for admission to a Blind Rehabilitation Center through the nearest VA facility in their particular area of the United States . Transportation to and from the Blind Rehabilitation Center is subject to the current beneficiary travel regulations and some limitations may be imposed on travel payments. Prior to traveling, the veteran should contact the local VA Medical Center travel clerk for full details. An escort to accompany the veteran to the Blind Rehabilitation Center may be approved if the particular veteran's condition warrants.

Rehabilitation training activities at the Blind Rehabilitation Center follow the usual government work routine, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week. Classes of varying duration are scheduled throughout the workday. The veteran is expected to participate in a full day of training each day unless this is not feasible due to physical limitations. After the workday is completed each veteran is permitted to go on pass, subject to medical and administrative clearance. Families and friends are welcome to visit in the evenings or on weekends, but not during the workday. All Blind Rehabilitation Centers require that veterans remain in the center for the first weekend so that they may quickly adapt to the rehabilitation environment. The Chief of the Blind Rehabilitation Center may make exceptions to this policy as individual situations demand.

Comfortable, casual clothing is the rule for most classes. Clothing should be appropriate to the particular facility, the time of year, and the climate of the geographic area. Linens and towels are provided. Veterans are expected to wash their personal laundry in the laundry room after instruction in the use of the washer and dryer. Veterans need not bring such things as radios, tape recorders, talking book machines, and other items of that nature, as they are available. Veterans are encouraged to open an account with the VA Medical Center's Agent Cashier for the deposit of personal funds. This will allow the veteran to make withdrawals as needed.

Each Blind Rehabilitation Center has a physician and nursing staff on hand to help maintain or to improve the health of each veteran. Because the Blind Rehabilitation Centers are located within VA Medical Centers, the hospital facilities and clinics are available as necessary. The physician and the nurses implement the health care regimen and monitor the medical status of each veteran, as well as educate the veteran concerning any medical situations. Nurses are an integral part of the rehabilitation team and help to assure that the veteran's physical condition will not interfere with the rehabilitation program. The nursing staff also plays an important role in the veteran’s ability to self-medicate. The nurses work with the rehabilitation team to maximize each individual’s independence.

Length of the Rehabilitation Program

The length of the rehabilitation program varies from veteran to veteran. In addition to severity of vision loss, the veteran's general health, emotional condition, learning ability, and motivation determine the length of stay. The first week of the rehabilitation program is spent evaluating the veteran's overall condition and assessing the veteran's general and specific needs. After a team assessment, which includes the veteran, intensive rehabilitation begins and a projection of duration of training made. This projection can be updated as warranted by circumstances and the veteran's needs. A typical duration of stay ranges from 4 to 8 weeks.

Rehabilitation is a dynamic process and cannot be rushed. A sufficient duration of rehabilitation should be provided so that veterans thoroughly learn skills and incorporate them into their lifestyles. We ask veterans to be willing to give sufficient time to adequately complete their rehabilitation programs. Time passes very quickly at the Blind Rehabilitation Centers and we are confident that each veteran will consider their program an investment in their future.

Prosthetic Appliances and Sensory Aids for Persons Who are Legally Blind

The Chiefs of the Blind Rehabilitation Centers have been authorized to provide various devices for the legally blind veterans who undergo rehabilitation training. Each veteran is evaluated with, and taught the use, of appropriate devices. Issuance of devices to veterans is based upon need, the demonstrated ability to use them, and adherence to clearly defined criteria. All devices issued to veterans assist them in overcoming the disability of blindness and permit them to function effectively and efficiently after rehabilitation is completed.

Special Programs at Blind Rehabilitation Centers

Over the years, innovative technology has been developed for persons who are blind and visually impaired. Many of these devices are available at the Blind Rehabilitation Centers, along with assessment and training in their use. Qualified veterans may apply for programs providing assessment and training in the use of these specialized devices. Specific criteria for admission and for issuance of the devices have been established. Questions concerning eligibility and suitability for training, as well as issuances of devices, should be directed to the Chief of the appropriate Blind Rehabilitation Center .

Special programs for training in the use of innovative technology generally fall into the areas of visual skills, communication and orientation and mobility. Visual skills devices included special electronic viewing devices that supplement optical low vision devices. Communication devices include electronic reading machines for the blind, computers, and other similar specialized devices. Electronic orientation and mobility devices are designed to supplement the usual protective travel devices such as the long cane. As new and innovative devices are developed, special programs in their use may become available. Training in the use of these devices is complex; they require a great deal of hard work and persistence, and may not be suitable for every veteran. While these devices should in no way be viewed as a substitute for basic blind rehabilitation training, or for the usual devices frequently issued to many veterans, they can serve an important role in the lives of many veterans.

Special programs are usually 2 to 4 weeks in length and deal specifically with one device. Several hours per day are spent working on that device, so only limited involvement with the regular rehabilitation program is possible. Veterans participating in the full rehabilitation program are assessed using the devices and may wish to return for a detailed program at a later date.

Additional Information Concerning Blind Rehabilitation Centers

Research and Clinical Evaluation Programs

The VA has consistently been a leader in development of sensory and prosthetic research and each Blind Rehabilitation Center is actively involved in research, development and evaluation of devices. Many devices that were involved in research programs in past years are now part of the regular rehabilitation programs at the Blind Rehabilitation Centers. As new devices are developed that may assist blind persons, the VA will be among the first to evaluate them. The overall goal of this research is to improve the quality of life for all blind persons, both veterans and non-veterans.

Blind  Rehabilitation Center Administration and Staff

Most Blind Rehabilitation Center instructors hold specialized degrees in rehabilitation therapy and training from major colleges and universities. The Chiefs of the Blind Rehabilitation Centers are highly experienced professionals in blindness and rehabilitation and possess a thorough knowledge of the VA system; they are the leaders who coordinate the Blind Rehabilitation Centers, thus assuring that each veteran will receive the highest caliber of individualized instruction.

Affiliations

Each of the Blind Rehabilitation Centers provides teaching and internship opportunities for students from affiliated universities. The VA Medical Centers housing the Blind Rehabilitation Centers are affiliated with nationally recognized medical schools, further ensuring the highest level of medical care for each blinded veteran.

Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinators

The Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator is a case manager who has primary responsibility for the coordination of services for visually impaired veterans and their families and are the first contact for blind rehabilitation services. VIST coordinator duties include providing and/or arranging for the provision of appropriate treatment in order to enhance a blind veteran's functioning (for example referrals to Blind Rehabilitation Centers , Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Services, VICTORS, VISOR, and low vision clinics). Other VIST coordinator duties include identifying new cases of blindness, providing professional counseling, problem resolution, arranging VIST Reviews, and conducting educational programs relating to VIST and blindness. VIST Teams are often established at the local VA Medical Centers. These VIST Teams are comprised of a VIST Coordinator and healthcare and allied healthcare professionals charged with the responsibility of ensuring that blind veterans are identified, evaluated, and provided health and rehabilitation services to maximize adjustment to sight loss. Members may include, but are not limited to, representatives from Social Work, Ophthalmology, Optometry, Prosthetics, Primary Care, Rehabilitation, Library, Nursing, Audiology, Podiatry, Nutrition, Psychology, Patient Administration and Financial Services, Veterans Benefits Administration, blind veterans consumer organizations, blind consumers and state/community agencies for the blind.  

Visual Impairment Services Outpatient Rehabilitation (VISOR) Program

The VISOR Programs are outpatient, intermediate nine-day rehabilitation programs. They provide comfortable, safe, overnight accommodations for veterans who are visually impaired and require temporary lodging. The program offers skills training, orientation and mobility, and low vision therapy. It is staffed with Blind Rehabilitation Specialists (BROS) and Visual Impairment Service Team (VIST) Coordinators, Social Workers, and Certified Low Vision Therapists. Veterans who attend VISOR must be able to perform basic activities of daily living independently, including the ability to self-medicate.

Visual Impairment Centers to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORS) Program

In the late 1970s VHA recognized that there were a growing number of veterans who were not yet legally blind who needed rehabilitation services. The Directors of Blind Rehabilitation, Social Work, Psychology, and Optometry Services developed the Visual Impairment Center to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORS) program to address this unmet need. The initial VICTORS program started in 1979 at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Over the years, VICTORS services have expanded to the Chicago VA Medical Center (Westside campus), and the Northport VAMC (Northport , NY ).

National Consultants

The Regional Consultants serve as advisors to the VA Medical Center-based rehabilitation programs for the blind and visually impaired. Each regional consultant has oversight of VA facilities in the geographic area served by the Blind Rehabilitation Center to which they are assigned. Their role is to educate, evaluate the quality of care, and ensure that adequate and appropriate services are being provided to blinded veterans.

Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) Program

BROSs are multi-skilled professionals who perform a wide array of blind rehabilitation services including assessments and visual skills, living skills and orientation and mobility training. BROS services are provided to veterans in the most appropriate setting, for example, home, VA, college, nursing home or assisted living environments (and in rare instances at the work site). The BROS offer pre/post Blind Rehabilitation Center training and also teach veterans who may not be able to travel to a Blind Rehabilitation Center . They also provide training to family members.

Referral Procedures and Application Requirements

The Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator is  the first contact for referrals for the Blind Rehabilitation Centers, VISOR, VICTORS and BROS Programs as well as some Low Vision Clinics.  They are case managers who has primary responsibility for the coordination of services for visually impaired veterans and their families. 

Any VA health care facility may make a referral to a Blind Rehabilitation Center . The VIST Coordinator or Social Worker assigned to blind rehabilitation program at the appropriate VA facility prepares the application package and assures that it is forwarded to the VA Medical Center housing a Blind Rehabilitation program.

The application package for the blind rehabilitation center should include the following:

1. A fully completed VA form 10-10 Application for Medical Benefits, the related VA form 10-10M Medical Certificate and History, and VA form 10-1 OF, Financial Worksheet when necessary.

2. A cover letter briefly stating the events leading to the referral.

3. A current and complete physical examination, detailing all conditions that may affect progress in rehabilitation, including a detailed statement of physical capacities and tolerance, as well as pertinent radiology and laboratory reports.

4. A complete ophthalmological report, containing corrected and uncorrected near and distance visual acuities and measurements of peripheral and central visual fields.

5. A social work report, outlining the veteran's military, family, educational, social, and work history and other relevant information.

6. An audiological report.

7. VA benefits rating sheet.

8. Psychiatric and/or psychological report, if necessary.

The application package will be reviewed by the staff at the Blind Rehabilitation Center to determine appropriateness for admission to the blind rehabilitation center.  The veteran and the referring VIST Coordinator or social worker will be informed of the decision.

Travel Information

Transportation to and from the Blind Rehabilitation Center is subject to the current beneficiary travel regulations, which may impose some limitations on travel payments. If approved, an escort may accompany the veteran to the Blind Rehabilitation Center . Staff of the Blind Rehabilitation Center will determine the veteran's need for an escort. The Blind Rehabilitation Center will provide assistance to the veteran in making travel arrangements in cooperation with the veteran's referring facility. All tickets and receipts for tolls, parking, and other travel costs must be kept and presented to the Travel Clerk at the VA Medical Center housing the Blind Rehabilitation Center for verification and payment. Approval for an escort to accompany the veteran must be obtained in advance from the Business Office at the VA Medical Center housing the Blind Rehabilitation Center .

Conclusion

Although partial or total loss of vision can be overwhelming, the problem is not insurmountable. Rehabilitation can be the start of a new life. It is the beginning, the training ground, the base that prepares the blinded veteran to assume or continue a meaningful place in the family and in society. Rehabilitation assists the blinded veteran in building the strength, skills, and self-confidence to live a normal, happy, well-rounded life.

Blind Rehabilitation Centers

American  Lake   

Blind  Rehabilitation Center

VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Tacoma  , WA 98493-5000

(253) 582-8440

Augusta  Blind Rehabilitation Center

VA Medical  Center

1 Freedom Way

Augusta  , Georgia 30904-6285

(706) 733-0188

Central  Blind Rehabilitation Center

Edward Hines, Jr. Hospital

5th & Roosevelt Rd. P.O. Box 5000
Hines  , IL 60141

Phone: (708) 202-8387

VA Connecticut Healthcare System

West Haven  Campus
 

VA  Medical Center

950 Campbell Avenue
 

West Haven  , CT 06516

Phone: (203) 932-5711

Puerto Rico  Blind Rehabilitation Center

VA Medical  Center

10 Casis Street

San Juan  , PR 00921-3201

(787) 641-8325

Southeastern Blind  Rehabilitation Center

VA Medical  Center

700 South 19^th Street

Birmingham  , AL 35233

(205) 933-8101

Southwestern Blind  Rehabilitation Center

Southern Arizona  VA Health Care System

3601 South 6^th Avenue

Tucson  , AZ 85723

(520) 629-4643

Waco  Blind Rehabilitation Center

VA Medical  Center

4800 Memorial Drive

Waco  , TX 76711

(254) 297-3755

Western  Blind Rehabilitation Center

VA Palo Alto Health Care System

3801 Miranda Avenue

Palo Alto  , CA 94304-1290

(650) 493-5000

West Palm Beach

VA Medical  Center

7305 N. Military Trail
West Palm Beach , FL 33410-6400
Phone: (561) 422-8425

Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Health Administration

Blind Rehabilitation Service

810 Vermont Ave. N.W.

Washington  , D.C.   20420

202-273-8483

VA website Address: http://www.va.gov/blindrehab