Vision Rehabilitation Services
AVRE provides Vision Rehabilitation Services to individuals who are blind, and those that have low vision, at low or no cost. For those who are blind, these services include Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), Low Vision Exams, and Orientation & Mobility Services (O&M), and Social Casework. If you have low vision, we offer Functional Vision Assessments, and our Vision Impairment Connect program.
Vision Rehabilitation Therapy
Generally referred to as VRT, these services include a range of independent living and working skills. They include how to perform daily household tasks, how to manage personal finances and communication, and how to use technology to access information. A Low Vision exam is often used as an assessment tool for Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. VRT is available for school-age children through seniors and is based upon personal needs and goals. This service is free of charge to the participant.
Low Vision Exams
A low vision exam is different than a standard eye exam, and is only available to individuals who are legally blind. This exam focuses on how a person’s particular vision impairment affects his or her day-to-day living. Our Certified Low Vision Doctor will complete an exam, and work in conjunction with our Certified Low Vision Therapist, who will help determine which devices, lighting, or services will help you use your functional vision more effectively. Low vision exams are available at AVRE two days per month, by appointment.
Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training is available to people who are legally blind. Specially trained professionals teach people who are blind how to safely and independently orient to their environment at home, work, or school, and how to safely navigate in the community. This service is free of charge to the participant.
Case Management
Case management is available to those who are legally blind. It focuses on comprehensive, individualized assessment and is essential in helping participants deal with the emotional aspects of vision loss. It also involves benefit counseling as it relates to SSI and SSDI, and assistance in accessing community resources. This service is free of charge to the participant.
Functional Vision Assessments
A functional vision assessment is appropriate for someone experiencing vision loss, but who is not legally blind. Similar to the low vision exam, the assessment focuses on how to enhance your remaining functional vision and improve your day-to-day living. A Certified Low Vision Therapist is available at AVRE to perform assessments two Fridays per month, by appointment. If you do not reside in Broome County, check with us for the next functional vision assessment date in the other counties we serve! There is no fee for this service.
Vision Impairment Connect Program
The Vision Impairment Connect program is a free service for those individuals who have completed AVRE’s Functional Vision Assessment and have been referred to the program by our Certified Low Vision Therapist. A trained professional will visit the home, and complete an individualized assessment to determine the individual’s needs related to their vision loss and place of residence. The participant will be offered adaptive equipment to assist with daily living skills, and instruction on how to use the recommended equipment to increase their ability to complete tasks independently.