October is Blindness Awareness Month
VA offers services, specialized equipment to visually impaired veterans
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 314 million people in the world have a severe visual impairment, including 37 million who are blind.
Some of the most common causes of vision loss for Veterans in the US include Diabetes, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, and Traumatic Brain Injury. This observance aims to increase awareness of the importance of vision care services as well as the availability of services for those with vision loss.
The “White Cane Law” in Oklahoma (Title 7 sec 12) requires drivers to come to a full stop no closer than 15 feet from a person with a disability who is in a roadway or crossing an intersection.
VA Blind Rehabilitation Service offers comprehensive services and specialized equipment to assist eligible Veterans with vision impairment in developing the skills needed for personal independence and successful integration into the community and family environment.
To refer a Veteran experiencing vision loss, contact VIST Coordinator Khyra Chiles at 918-348-1538 or VIST Nicole Richardson at (918) 310-4764.
For more information visit: https://www.rehab.va.gov/blindrehab/