Organizations Helping People with Vision Loss

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) for advocacy, support, and resources

AFB mission: Expand pathways to leadership, education, technology, and career opportunities to create a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.

Website: https://afb.org/

Phone: 212-502-7600

Email: [email protected]

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Baltimore, MD

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is an organization of blind people in the United States.

NFB Mission: The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more.

Website: https://nfb.org/

Phone: 410-659-9314

Email: [email protected]

Foundation for Fighting Blindness

Mission: Drive research toward preventions, treatments, and cures for blinding diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, and more.

Research Studies

Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School

Insitut de la Vision in Paris, France

Moorfields Eye Hospital, University College London

Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania

Website: https://www.fightingblindness.org/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (800) 683-5555

Connect On LinkedIn:

1. Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life

Living with Vision Loss Podcast

How Do I Find Low Vision Optometrists & Rehabilitation Professionals in My Area?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational / Resource Guide

Duration: ~6 minutes

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dawn provides a step-by-step guide to finding low vision optometrists and rehabilitation professionals in your area. She shares specific websites and directories to locate a low vision optometrist, certified low vision therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and other vision rehabilitation professionals. Dawn also explains how to access rehabilitation services through the VA for veterans and through state agencies for non-veterans, with real examples from Pennsylvania.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. Two ways to find a low vision optometrist in your area
2. How to search the ACVREP directory for certified rehabilitation professionals
3. How veterans can access low vision rehabilitation through the VA
4. How non-veterans can find their state agency for low vision services
5. Why getting a low vision exam before rehabilitation services is essential

Who Is This Podcast For?

1. People living with low vision or vision loss
2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
3. Friends who want to understand how to help
4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

How to Find a Low Vision Optometrist

1. Vision Council Foundation – Low Vision Prescriber Network

Go to the website and enter your location:

https://thevisioncouncilfoundation.org/finder/low-vision/

1. American Optometric Association – Find a Doctor of Optometry

Enter your city, state, and zip code. Click "Special Emphasis" and scroll to select "Low Vision & Rehabilitation Vision":

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/find-a-doctor

How to Find Rehabilitation Professionals in Your State

Search the ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals) directory to find:

1. Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT)
2. Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS)
3. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT)
4. Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS)

Steps: Go to ACVREP.org > Select "Certificant Directory" > Enter the type of rehab professional > Enter your state or province.

https://www.acvrep.org

How to Access Rehabilitation Services – Veterans

Veterans can access low vision rehabilitation through the VA:

1. BRS (Blind Rehab Service) – Helps veterans regain independence with vision loss
2. VIST (Vision Impairment Service Team Coordinator) – Locate the VIST coordinator for your state on the VA website

http://www.rehab.va.gov/blindrehab/

How to Access Rehabilitation Services – Non-Veterans

Search for your state (not federal) agency. Use this search format: "state agency for low vision services in [your state]."

Examples:

1. Pennsylvania: PA Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) – Select the BBVS office directory for PA counties and contact numbers
2. New Jersey: Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) – Select CBVI Services and Programs

Important Things to Consider

1. All state agencies' websites and procedures for referral vary
2. VA services have their own referral processes
3. Low vision doctors can send your eye exam to the state agency and request rehab services
4. Receive a low vision exam BEFORE rehabilitation services – Your exam contains pertinent visual information to help your therapists achieve your goals

About Your Host

Dawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently. She works directly with patients in clinical settings, developing personalized strategies to help them accomplish the activities that matter most to them.

Connect & Subscribe

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Reach out to Dawn on LinkedIn with questions.

Resources & Quick Links

1. Low Vision Prescriber Network: thevisioncouncilfoundation.org/finder/low-vision/
2. Find a Doctor of Optometry: aoa.org/healthy-eyes/find-a-doctor
3. ACVREP Certificant Directory: acvrep.org
4. VA Blind Rehabilitation: rehab.va.gov/blindrehab/
5. Dawn Ciccarone on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dawn-ciccarone

Keywords: find low vision optometrist, low vision doctor near me, vision rehabilitation professionals, CLVT, COMS, CVRT, CATIS, ACVREP, Vision Council Foundation, American Optometric Association, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, VA blind rehabilitation, VIST coordinator, low vision exam, state agency low vision services, low vision resources

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life

Living with Vision Loss Podcast

What Professionals Can Help You With Vision Loss?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational

Duration: ~8 minutes

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dawn introduces the team of professionals who can help you navigate life with vision loss. From ophthalmologists who manage eye disease to low vision optometrists who conduct specialized exams, and from certified low vision therapists who teach you to use devices to orientation and mobility specialists who help you navigate your environment—Dawn explains each role and how they work together to help you achieve your goals and maintain independence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. The different professionals who specialize in vision loss
2. What an ophthalmologist does and the different specialties available
3. How a low vision optometrist exam differs from a regular eye exam
4. The tests performed during a low vision exam (visual field, contrast sensitivity, Amsler grid)
5. What a certified low vision therapist (CLVT) and occupational therapist do
6. The role of orientation and mobility specialists
7. How social workers help connect you with resources and state agencies
8. What a CATIS (Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist) does

Who Is This Podcast For?

1. People living with low vision or vision loss
2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
3. Friends who want to understand how to help
4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

Low Vision Professionals Explained

Ophthalmologist

A medical doctor trained in managing eye disease. Specialties include:

1. Glaucoma specialists
2. Retina specialists

Low Vision Optometrist

A specialized optometrist who conducts detailed low vision exams. They:

1. Use specialized charts (bigger, high contrast) to determine best corrected acuity
2. Measure visual fields (confrontation fields, Goldman, Humphrey)
3. Test central vision with the Amsler grid
4. Evaluate contrast sensitivity (Mars Contrast Sensitivity Test)
5. Identify patient goals
6. Prescribe magnification devices and technology

Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) / Occupational Therapist (OT)

Uses the information from the low vision doctor to create a treatment plan based on your goals. Services include:

1. Teaching you how to use prescribed magnification devices
2. Training on technology, apps, and screen magnification
3. Teaching compensatory techniques (eccentric viewing, prisms)
4. Glare evaluation and filter recommendations
5. Lighting evaluation to improve contrast
6. Training on non-optical devices (specialized tools for cutting, pouring, writing)
7. Environmental modifications

Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M)

Teaches you how to be oriented in your environment and navigate to where you want to go with reduced vision. This is life-changing for people who want to travel independently.

Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT)

Teaches you how to do activities of daily living in your home and can adapt your environment.

Social Worker

Helps connect you with resources for people with visual impairment, including:

1. State agencies (Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services)
2. Benefits you may qualify for
3. Financial assistance for low vision devices

Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS)

Teaches you how to access your computer with specialized software that can magnify print or use OCR enabling you to work with low vision or no vision.

Tests Mentioned in This Episode

1. Confrontation Fields – Basic visual field test
2. Goldman Visual Field – Measures peripheral vision
3. Humphrey Visual Field – Automated visual field test
4. Amsler Grid – Tests central vision; detects wavy lines (common for macular degeneration)
5. Mars Contrast Sensitivity Test – Measures ability to distinguish colors from background

About Your Host

Dawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently. She works directly with patients in clinical settings, developing personalized strategies to help them accomplish the activities that matter most to them.

Connect & Subscribe

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Keywords: low vision professionals, ophthalmologist, low vision optometrist, certified low vision therapist, CLVT, occupational therapist, orientation and mobility specialist, CVRT, CATIS, vision rehabilitation, low vision exam, visual field test, Amsler grid, contrast sensitivity, Mars test, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, low vision devices, magnification devices, eccentric viewing, prisms

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life

Living with Vision Loss Podcast

Episode 2

What Is Low Vision?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational

Duration: ~6 minutes

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dawn answers one of the most common questions she receives: What is low vision? She explains that low vision occurs when your acuity cannot be corrected to 20/20 with glasses, contacts, surgery, or medication—usually due to eye disease. Dawn discusses the role of low vision optometrists, why glasses often can't help when the retina is damaged, and the treatment interventions available including optical magnification, size magnification, and distance magnification. She also covers how treatment addresses not just acuity, but visual field, contrast, and glare.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. The definition of low vision and why it's different from needing glasses
2. Common eye diseases that cause low vision
3. What a low vision optometrist does and how they differ from a regular eye doctor
4. Why glasses can't always help when the retina is damaged
5. Three types of magnification: optical, size, and distance
6. How treatment interventions address acuity, visual field, contrast, and glare
7. A real-life example of helping someone see the TV better

Who Is This Podcast For?

1. People living with low vision or vision loss
2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
3. Friends who want to understand how to help
4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is when your acuity cannot be corrected to 20/20 with:

1. Glasses
2. Contacts
3. Surgery
4. Medication

Eye Conditions That Cause Low Vision

Common in older adults:

1. Macular degeneration
2. Glaucoma
3. Diabetic retinopathy

What Does a Low Vision Optometrist Do?

A low vision optometrist is a specialized eye doctor who:

1. Uses specialized lenses and larger charts
2. Determines if glasses can help improve acuity at distance or near
3. Prescribes magnification devices when glasses can't help
4. Gets a baseline of your current vision
5. Works with you to identify your goals and prescribe devices to achieve them

Three Types of Magnification

Using the example of helping someone see the TV better:

1. Size Magnification – Get a larger television
2. Distance Magnification – Sit closer to the TV
3. Optical Magnification – Use a hand held or spectacle mounted telescope

Important factors to consider: the size you need to see and your distance from the object.

Treatment Interventions Address Four Areas

1. Acuity (Size) – Devices to magnify print
2. Visual Field (Picture) – Techniques to see the full picture
3. Contrast (Color) – Brighten your TV or increase contrast on devices
4. Glare Management – Filters to reduce glare

About Your Host

Dawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently. She works directly with patients in clinical settings, developing personalized strategies to help them accomplish the activities that matter most to them.

Connect & Subscribe

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Keywords: what is low vision, low vision definition, low vision optometrist, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, low vision therapy, magnification devices, optical magnification, low vision treatment, vision rehabilitation, glasses can't help, retina damage, visual field loss, contrast sensitivity, glare management, low vision aids

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life

Living with Vision Loss Podcast

Episode 1: Can't Read, Watch TV, or Use Your Phone?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational

Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Living with Vision Loss Podcast, certified low vision therapist Dawn Ciccarone answers the most common questions she hears every day in the clinic: How can I read again? How can I watch TV? How can I use my phone? Dawn explains the four key aspects of vision—acuity, visual field, contrast, and glare—and how each one affects your ability to perform everyday activities. Understanding these fundamentals is the first step toward regaining your independence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. The most common questions people with vision loss ask
2. Why simple daily tasks become difficult with reduced vision
3. What visual acuity is and why print size matters
4. How visual field loss causes parts of words or faces to disappear
5. Why contrast sensitivity affects your ability to see colors
6. How glare impacts daily functioning
7. How treatment interventions address all four aspects of vision

Who Is This Podcast For?

1. People living with low vision or vision loss
2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
3. Friends who want to understand how to help
4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

The 4 Aspects of Vision Explained

Dawn breaks down the four key factors that affect how people with vision loss experience the world:

1. Reduced Visual Acuity – Print size needs to be larger than normal to be seen clearly
2. Visual Field Loss – Parts of the picture, face, or word may be missing from view
3. Reduced Contrast Sensitivity – Difficulty distinguishing colors; may only see dark print on white backgrounds
4. Glare Sensitivity – Light interferes with the ability to see clearly

All four of these aspects can be reduced when someone has eye disease, and may need to be addressed for people to achieve their goals.

Common Questions Answered

1. How can I read again?
2. How can I go shopping?
3. How can I watch TV?
4. How can I play cards?
5. How can I go to school?
6. How can I go back to work?
7. How can I read my Bible?
8. How can I read my newspaper?
9. How can I read my phone?
10. How can I call people on my phone?

Vision Conditions That Cause These Challenges

1. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
2. Diabetic retinopathy
3. Glaucoma
4. Cataracts
5. Retinitis pigmentosa
6. Stroke-related vision loss
7. And other eye conditions affecting daily function

About Your Host

Dawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently. She works directly with patients in clinical settings, developing personalized strategies to help them accomplish the activities that matter most to them.

Connect & Subscribe

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Keywords: low vision therapy, vision loss, visual impairment, occupational therapy, low vision rehabilitation, macular degeneration, glaucoma, adaptive living, independence with vision loss, low vision solutions, certified low vision therapist, visual acuity, visual field loss, contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, how to read with low vision

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life

Living with Vision Loss Podcast

Welcome & Introduction

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Welcome/Introduction

Duration: ~3 minutes

Episode Summary

In this debut episode of the Living with Vision Loss Podcast, certified low vision therapist and occupational therapist Dawn Ciccarone introduces her mission to help people with vision loss reclaim their independence. With over 20 years of experience working in low vision rehabilitation, Dawn shares her passion for providing practical solutions that enable everyday activities like reading, shopping, using technology, and enjoying leisure activities.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. Who Dawn Ciccarone is and her background in low vision therapy
2. The purpose and mission behind the Living with Vision Loss Podcast
3. Common challenges faced by people with vision loss
4. What types of vision conditions the podcast will address
5. How the show will help listeners achieve their independence goals

Who Is This Podcast For?

1. People living with low vision or vision loss
2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
3. Friends who want to understand how to help
4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

Vision Conditions Covered

Dawn will address various visual impairments throughout the podcast, including:

1. Reduced visual acuity
2. Visual field loss
3. Reduced contrast sensitivity
4. Glare sensitivity
5. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
6. Diabetic retinopathy
7. Glaucoma
8. And other eye conditions affecting daily function

Common Daily Challenges Addressed

1. Reading books, mail, and medication labels
2. Using smartphones and tablets
3. Watching television
4. Playing cards and games
5. Shopping independently
6. Navigating everyday tasks

What to Expect from Future Episodes

1. Answers to common questions Dawn hears daily in the clinic
2. Practical treatment interventions and adaptive techniques
3. Real-life success stories from clients who have achieved their goals
4. Guest appearances from people who have overcome vision loss challenges
5. Simple solutions for regaining independence

About Your Host

Dawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently. She works directly with patients in clinical settings, developing personalized strategies to help them accomplish the activities that matter most to them.

Connect & Subscribe

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Keywords: low vision therapy, vision loss, visual impairment, occupational therapy, low vision rehabilitation, macular degeneration, glaucoma, adaptive living, independence with vision loss, low vision solutions, certified low vision therapist

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life