Healthy Aging Month: Braille Institute Expands National Effort to Help Older Adults Navigate Vision Loss Senior Living Family Health Men's Health Women's Health Diseases/Disorders
As Americans live longer than ever before, millions are experiencing age-related vision loss caused by conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Yet too many people wait months or even years to seek help because they don't realize support is available.
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In recognition of Healthy Aging Month, Braille Institute is introducing Vision Support America, a national initiative designed to help people with low vision access trusted information, practical resources and expert guidance earlier in their vision journey. Backed by Braille Institute's 107 years of experience, all Vision Support America services and resources are available free of charge.
"Far too many people believe vision loss is simply something they have to accept," said Dimitri Kales, CEO of Braille Institute. "With the right support, people can continue reading, cooking, working, traveling and living independently. Our goal is to ensure every person experiencing vision changes knows where to turn – and to inspire them to seek help earlier."
More than seven million Americans are living with low vision, and that number is expected to grow as the population ages. Vision Support America was created to meet this growing need by providing free, accessible support regardless of where someone lives.
Resources currently include live online educational workshops, practical videos, a dedicated toll-free helpline, educational guides and referrals to local services when appropriate. Individuals can also join a private Facebook Vision Support America community group that enables participants to ask questions and share suggestions with one another. In the near future, Vision Support America will also be introducing community groups, including book chats and low vision support groups, and will continue adding new offerings to meet the evolving needs and interests of people experiencing vision loss.
The initiative reflects Braille Institute's Mission Magnified strategy to dramatically expand access to vision support and serve 200,000 people annually by 2030.
"Vision Support America is more than a program – it is our commitment to becoming the nation's most recognized, trusted and accessible resource for people experiencing low vision," said Kales. "We want everyone experiencing vision changes to know that help is available, hope is real, and they do not have to face it alone."
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