Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Resources

VA Facility Locator

va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp

VA Provider Locator

www.accesstocare.va.gov/ourproviders

Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Services (BRS)

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides blind and vision rehabilitation programs to eligible Veterans and active duty Service members who are visually impaired. The Veterans Health Administration is the first national healthcare system to completely and seamlessly integrate rehabilitation services for patients with visual impairments into its health benefits so patients receive the finest medical and rehabilitation care, as well as cutting-edge assistive technology.

Blind Rehabilitation Centers

The Blind Rehabilitation Centers (BRC) are residential inpatient programs that provide comprehensive adjustment to blindness training and serve as a resource to a geographic area usually comprised of several states. BRCs offer a variety of skill courses designed to help blinded Veterans achieve a realistic level of independence.

Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS)

BROS is an outpatient training program that employs a multi-skilled and experienced blind rehabilitation instructor who teaches skills in the Veterans home environment and/or local Veterans Affairs medical center. BROS instructors have advanced technical knowledge and competencies in at least two of the following disciplines at the journeyman level: orientation and mobility; living skills; manual skills and visual skills. The BROS has been cross-trained to acquire broadly based knowledge in each of the BRC disciplines including computer access training.

Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinators

The Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) coordinators are case managers who coordinate services for severely disabled visually impaired Veterans and active duty Service members. VIST coordinators provide or arrange appropriate treatment to enhance functioning such as making referrals to Blind Rehabilitation Centers, Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Services, VICTORS, VISOR, and low vision clinics. VIST coordinators also track newly identified individuals who have severely disabling visual impairment, provide counseling and problem resolution, arrange a review of benefits and needed services, and conduct educational and outreach programs relating to VIST and blindness.

Visual Impairment Services Outpatient Rehabilitation Program

The Vision Impairment Services Outpatient Rehabilitation (VISOR) program provides short-term blind-and-vision rehabilitation which is usually completed in two weeks. They provide comfortable overnight accommodations for Veterans and eligible active duty Service members who are visually impaired and require lodging. Those who attend VISOR must be able to perform basic activities of daily living independently, including the ability to self-medicate.

Visual Impairment Centers to Optimize Remaining Sight Program

The Visual Impairment Center to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORS) complements existing inpatient Blind Rehabilitation Centers (BRCs) to care for Veterans with significant visual impairment (20/70 to 20/200 or worse visual acuity and/or significant visual field loss). The interdisciplinary VICTORS outpatient program uses a team approach to vision rehabilitation using the disciplines of optometry, ophthalmology, social work, psychology, and low vision therapists. VICTORS provides rehabilitation through definitive medical diagnosis, functional vision evaluation, prescribing and training in using low vision aids, counseling, and follow-up.

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