Episode 4: How Do I Find Low Vision Optometrists & Rehabilitation Professionals in My Area?

Living with Vision Loss PodcastHow Do I Find Low Vision Optometrists & Rehabilitation Professionals in My Area?Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVTEpisode Type: Educational / Resource GuideDuration: ~6 minutesEpisode SummaryIn 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 EpisodeTwo ways to find a low vision optometrist in your areaHow to search the ACVREP directory for certified rehabilitation professionalsHow veterans can access low vision rehabilitation through the VAHow non-veterans can find their state agency for low vision servicesWhy getting a low vision exam before rehabilitation services is essentialWho Is This Podcast For?People living with low vision or vision lossFamily members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairmentsFriends who want to understand how to helpHealthcare professionals seeking to better understand low visionOccupational therapists and rehabilitation specialistsHow to Find a Low Vision OptometristVision Council Foundation – Low Vision Prescriber NetworkGo to the website and enter your location:https://thevisioncouncilfoundation.org/finder/low-vision/American Optometric Association – Find a Doctor of OptometryEnter 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-doctorHow to Find Rehabilitation Professionals in Your StateSearch the ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals) directory to find:Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT)Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS)Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT)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.orgHow to Access Rehabilitation Services – VeteransVeterans can access low vision rehabilitation through the VA:BRS (Blind Rehab Service) – Helps veterans regain independence with vision lossVIST (Vision Impairment Service Team Coordinator) – Locate the VIST coordinator for your state on the VA websitehttp://www.rehab.va.gov/blindrehab/How to Access Rehabilitation Services – Non-VeteransSearch for your state (not federal) agency. Use this search format: "state agency for low vision services in [your state]."Examples:Pennsylvania: PA Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) – Select the BBVS office directory for PA counties and contact numbersNew Jersey: Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) – Select CBVI Services and ProgramsImportant Things to ConsiderAll state agencies' websites and procedures for referral varyVA services have their own referral processesLow vision doctors can send your eye exam to the state agency and request rehab servicesReceive a low vision exam BEFORE rehabilitation services – Your exam contains pertinent visual information to help your therapists achieve your goalsAbout Your HostDawn 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 & SubscribeDon'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 LinksLow Vision Prescriber Network: thevisioncouncilfoundation.org/finder/low-vision/Find a Doctor of Optometry: aoa.org/healthy-eyes/find-a-doctorACVREP Certificant Directory: acvrep.orgVA Blind Rehabilitation: rehab.va.gov/blindrehab/Dawn Ciccarone on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dawn-ciccaroneKeywords: 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 resourcesMedical DisclaimerThe 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