HF 4471

Resources for Visually Impaired or Blind People

Vision impairment cannot be corrected by surgery, medicines, glasses, or contact lenses. However, there are many resources that can help you manage your condition.

Symptoms

Signs of vision impairment may include:

  • Reduced vision or visual field

  • Trouble seeing sharp contrasts between objects

  • Blurred vision

  • Blind spots

  • Tunnel vision

  • Double vision

  • Poor depth perception

  • Trouble with bright light (glare)

  • Legal blindness

Clinic Visits

It is important to have a low vision assessment early to preserve and use the vision that you have. Your first exam will last 2-3 hours. This gives us time to check your current vision, find devices that work for you and offer advice.

You may be referred to other services such as:

  • Occupational therapy

  • Low vision therapy

  • Orientation and mobility training

  • Social work services

  • And many more

Resources

There are many helpful local and state resources. Below are some options that can help you live your life and make the most of your vision.

Center for Deaf-Blind Persons

3195 Superior St

Milwaukee, WI 53207

www.deaf-blind.org/

Voice/TTY/DBC

(414) 481-7477

State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Division of Long-Term Care Office for the Blind and the Visually Impaired

http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/blind

People who live outside of Wisconsin should contact the Wisconsin Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired

754 Williamson St

Madison, WI 53703

www.wcblind.org

(800) 783-5213

Services:

  • Computer training

  • Orientation and mobility

  • In-home rehabilitation

  • Sales of adaptive products

  • Information and referral

Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired

WI Department of Health Services

www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/blind

(888) 879-0017

Services:

  • Orientation and mobility

  • In-home consultation for daily activities

  • Communications

  • Adjustment

  • Support groups

  • Social skills

Vision Forward Association (Milwaukee Residents)

912 N Hawley Rd

Milwaukee, WI 53213

www.vision-forward.org

(877) 258-9200

Services:

  • Low vision exams

  • Technology training

  • Mobility training

  • Vision rehabilitation

  • Sales of adaptive products

Helpful Links

QRS Links for the Blind or Visually Impaired

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p2/p22549b.pdf