The annual celebration of Veterans Day this week is a good time to highlight the wide range of services available to Veterans and active military members who are blind or have low vision. Services for Veterans with vision loss are provided through the Blind Rehabilitation Services (BRS) of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The “VA is the first and only national healthcare system to completely and seamlessly integrate rehabilitation services for patients with vision loss into its health benefits,” according to their website. This integration is accomplished through care coordination, assessments, and “therapeutic instruction” so that past and present Service members can “reclaim the confidence and skills needed to lead an independent, fulfilling life after vision loss.” Specific services provided include low vision clinics, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, daily living skills, and adaptive recreation. For additional details, visit the VA webpage on Blind Rehabilitation Services (BRS) as well as the Blind Rehabilitation Service fact sheet.
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