VISIONS Can Help You See What is Possible!

A VISIONS instructor and participant sit on a couch. The instructor (right), teaches a participant (left), how to use an electronic book reader.

What is VISIONS?

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit rehabilitation and social service organization. VISIONS purpose is to develop and implement individualized programs to assist people who are blind and visually impaired of all ages to lead independent and active lives, and to educate the public to understand the capabilities and needs of people who are blind and visually impaired.

VISIONS Core Services

Whether working in your home, or at our residential rehabilitation center in Rockland County, VISIONS legally blind participants receive the highest quality programs and services from our certified staff.

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Vision Rehabilitation

In-home instruction for all ages, on key skills to living with vision loss, safely traveling in the community, and maintaining independence

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Assistive Technology

Instruction on using screen-reading or magnification software on computers, as well as accessibility features available on mobile devices

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Job Training and Placement

Instruction on resume writing, computer literacy, applying/interviewing for jobs, and techniques to thrive in the workplace

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Residential Short-Term Training

Residential, short-term training in vision rehabilitation, job training, and assistive technology for individuals and families, held at VCB and the VRC

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VISIONS Center on Aging

Programs and services designed for adults ages 60 or older, including free meals on weekdays, benefits counseling, health-focused activities, support groups, classes and workshops, social activities, and mail reading

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Unpaid Caregiver Support

Free resources and support for caregivers assisting visually impaired and blind older adults (60+), and visually impaired grandparents (55+) who serve as the primary caregiver to a child under 18 years old

Do I Qualify for VISIONS Services?

All services are available to New York State residents who are legally blind. Legal blindness is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better or stronger eye with best correction, or a restricted field of vision of 20 degrees or less in the better or stronger eye.

What if I Have Low Vision?

VISIONS does offer rehabilitation services to individuals who do not meet the legal blindness standard or who do not have proof of legal residency under a program unique to VISIONS.

If someone does not meet the definition of legal blindness but has a visual impairment that impacts their daily activities they could be classified as having low vision. Anyone with non-correctable reduced vision is visually impaired. The World Health Organization uses the following classifications of visual impairment.

When the vision in the better eye with best possible correction wearing glasses is:

20/30 to 20/60

This is considered mild vision loss, or near-normal vision

20/70 to 20/160

This is considered moderate visual impairment, or moderate low vision.

20/200 to 20/400

This is considered severe visual impairment, or severe low vision.

20/500 to 20/1,000

This is considered profound visual impairment, or profound low vision.

less than 20/1,000

This is considered near-total visual impairment, or near-total blindness.

No Light Perception

This is considered total visual impairment, or total blindness.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're interested in receiving VISIONS services, fill out the intake form below, and have your doctor fill out our New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) Report of Legal Blindness form and e-mail to mgheorghe@visionsvcb.org or fax it to 212-219-4078. A member of VISIONS intake staff will reach out to you to discuss further.