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Resources

LS&S has developed a long list of resources for the blind, visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing. Links to doctors, foundations, consumer advocacy groups, non for profits, and state agencies provide a wealth of information. If you would like to see a resource added to our list, please contact us.

Vision Related Resources


National Organizations

Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) - The urgent mission of The Foundation Fighting Blindness, Inc. (FFB) is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), macular degeneration, Usher Syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) - As a consumer and advocacy organization, the NFB is considered a leading force in the blindness field today. The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is two-fold—to help blind persons achieve self-confidence and self-respect and to act as a vehicle for collective self-expression by the blind.

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) - The AFB is recognized as Helen Keller's cause in the United States and is a leading national resource for people who are blind or visually impaired, the organizations that serve them, and the general public. The mission of the American Foundation for the Blind is to expand possibilities for people with vision loss and to enable them to achieve equality of access and opportunity that will ensure freedom of choice in their lives.

American Council of the Blind (ACB) - The Council strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people by: serving as a representative national organization of blind people; elevating the social, economic and cultural levels of blind people; improving educational and rehabilitation facilities and opportunities, and cooperating with the public and private institutions and organizations concerned with blind services.

Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) – The BVA is an organization specifically established to promote the welfare of blinded veterans. Through their service programs, groups and benefits they hope to make life easier for blinded veterans and help by being there with encouragement and support.

National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired (NAPVI) - NAPVI is a national organization that enables parents to find information and resources for their children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities. NAPVI provides leadership, support, and training to assist parents in helping children reach their potential.

International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) - The IBSA believes that sport is the ideal means to promote the integration of disabled people in general and the blind in particular. Sport can help them overcome their disability by strengthening their self-esteem and their ability to overcome difficulties and as an aid to normalization in their living environment.

National Industries for the Blind – The mission of the National Industries for the Blind is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind primarily through creating, sustaining, and improving employment.

Macular Degeneration Foundation – MD Foundation is a leading resource for information concerning Macular Degeneration to a growing population of individuals affected by the disease and related low vision conditions. They publish a monthly large print newsletter and provide reports on the latest research, requests for research participants, links, bulletin boards, and frequently asked questions.


Local Not-For-Profits

The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) - The Association for the Blind provided serves the demand for services, education and training which emphasize the capabilities and contributions of people who are blind or visually impaired. ABVI has evolved into one of the most dynamic not-for-profit organizations in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region with a service area that extends to nine counties, including Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Steuben, Yates, Seneca, Schulyer and Chemung.

Association for the Visually Impaired (AVI) - The Association for the Visually Impaired, Inc., a private, non-profit, founded in 1973, serves blind and severely visually impaired residents of Rockland and Orange Counties in New York. Services are provided on a one-to-one basis in the consumers' homes and communities.

Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment (AVRE) - AVRE is a private, non-profit organization that serves people with sustained and severe vision loss. People of all ages, from infants to seniors, can and do benefit from their services. They offer a range of learning. living, and working options for people with sustained and severe vision loss. AVRE. works with individuals who live in the New York counties of Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, Tompkins, as well as the Pennsylvania counties of Bradford, Susquehanna and Tioga.

The New York Institute for Special Education (NYISE) - The New York Institute for Special Education is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian educational facility which provides quality programs for children who are blind or visually disabled, emotionally and learning disabled and preschoolers who are developmentally delayed.

Southern Tier Association for the Visually Impaired (ST-AVI) - The Southern Tier Association for the Visually Impaired has been serving the local blind and visually impaired community for over 75 years. Currently, they provide support, employment and rehabilitation services to Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben Counties.

The Associated Blind, Inc (New York) - The Associated Blind’s mission is to assist individuals who are blind, visually impaired or who have physical disabilities to become self-reliant and achieve financial independence through mainstream employment.

The Center for the Visually Impaired (Atlanta, GA) – the CVI is Georgia's largest comprehensive, fully accredited, private facility providing rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. The mission of the Center for the Visually Impaired is to offer comprehensive services to promote independence with dignity and the preservation of self worth for individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.

The Carroll Center for the Blind (Newton, MA) - The Carroll Center for the Blind is a private, non–profit agency which serves persons of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. Throughout its 68–year history, the Center has pioneered innovative methods for blind persons to gain independence in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places.

Second-Sense (Chicago, IL) - Second-Sense, formerly the Guild for the Blind, serves those who are blind or visually impaired, including those with new vision loss. Second Sense strives to promote positive attitudes about visual impairment and to assist its members in achieving dignity and independence at home, in the workplace and in the community.

Lilac Blind Foundation (Spokane, WA) - Since 1971, the Lilac Blind Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, has been helping blind and partially sighted people take back control of their lives. Their purpose is to provide the services and encouragement needed to enable participants to reach their potential level of independence.

Cleveland Sight Center (Cleveland, OH) - Cleveland Sight Center is a multi-faceted private agency founded in 1906 providing educational, rehabilitative, preventive and support services for 10,000 people in the greater Cleveland area who are blind or visually impaired. They offer specific programs and services, as well as an infinite number of resources, social clubs, recreational activities, and more.

Helen Keller Services for the Blind (Brooklyn, NY) - For over 110 years, Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB) has been a pioneer in the field of blindness rehabilitation. Their mission is to help individuals of all ages and degrees of blindness to live as independently as possible within their own communities. http://www.helenkeller.org/

Badger Association– Since 1919, the Badger Association has been a leading resource for people who are blind and visually impaired, helping thousands of people each year lead productive, independent lives. Our programs and services help people at all stages of visual impairment achieve their highest level of self-sufficiency. We offer vision rehabilitation, residential options, support services, and recreational opportunities. Developed according to the participants’ needs, our full spectrum of services create community, communication and independence among, Southeastern Wisconsin’s growing visually impaired population.

Keystone Blind Association (Sharon, PA) - Since 1947, the Keystone Blind Association has been dedicated to serving people with visual impairments and preventing blindness. Their operations are constantly growing, and their services reach thousands of people annually in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.


Local Lighthouses
New York
Dallas
Ft. Worth
Houston
San Antonio
Seattle
San Francisco
Chicago
Columbia
Miami
West Texas
Duluth
El Paso
Austin
Tampa


Medical Resources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology – The AAO provides information on health issues related to the eyes. The website can also provide referrals to local ophthalmologists.

American Society of Retinal Specialists - The patient section of the ASRS website can assist you in finding a retina specialist in your area. In addition, the American Retina Foundation website Saving Vision contains a wealth on information on age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases.

American Optometric Association (AOA) – The American Optometric Association is the premiere authority in the optometric profession. Together, the AOA and its affiliates work to provide the public with quality vision and eye care. The AOA has a special Low Vision Rehabilitation Section which can provide references for a local optometrist emphasizing in low vision. The AOA can also help you find an eye doctor that emphasizes low vision.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary – Provides information in affiliation with the Harvard Medical School related to disorders of the eye, ear, nose, throat, head and neck. They also publish the Digital Journal of Ophthalmology, a journal of research to prevent blindness.

Wilmer Eye Institute at John Hopkins - The Wilmer Eye Institute has long been recognized for bringing together ophthalmologists consistently ranked by their peers as among the finest internationally, with a specially trained and highly experienced team of nurses cited by patients for their knowledge, responsiveness, and sensitivity.

Doctors and Physicians

Alabama

Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation
Joseph L. Fontenot, M.D.
3280 Dauphin Street , Building C Suite 129
Mobile Alabama 36606
(251) 476-4744
www.csvrlowvision.org

Arizona

ViewFinder 
Lynne Noon, OD & Kevin Huff, OD
1830 South Alma School Road
Suite 131
Mesa, AZ 85210
(480) 924-8755
www.ViewFinderLowVision.com

California

Meyer Izaac, OD
16055 Ventura Blvd #630
Encino, CA 91436
(818) 990-0300
www.visionsource-izaaceyes.com

Mira Mesa Eyecare
Tony D. Pham, OD
6755 Mira Mesa Blvd. #141
San Diego, CA  92126
(858) 535-8282
www.miramesaeyecare.com

Ramona Eye Care Optometry
Dr. Susan T. Cervantes, OD
1662 Main Street, Suite B
Ramona, CA 92065
(760) 788-3622
www.ramonaeyecare.com

Gary Sneag, O.D., FCOVD
Jennifer N. Tam, O.D., FAAO
 4310 Genesee Avenue, Suite 101
San Diego, CA 92117
(858) 560-5181

Vision Express Optometry, Inc.
David S. Shin, OD
15923 Bear Valley Road Suite B-100
Hesperia, CA 92345
Tel: (760) 949-6363
www.visionsource-visionexpress.com

Colorado

Abba Eye Care
Marcus Meyer, OD
1130 Lake Plaza Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 578-2020
www.abbaeyecare.com

Florida

Michael A. Fregger, O.D.
Family Eye Care
17 Racetrack Rd., NW
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 862-9595
www.familyeyecarefwb.com

Englewood Eyecare & Optical
Tad R. Kosanovich, OD
150 South Indiana Avenue
Englewood, FL 34223
(941) 473-1392
www.visionsource-drkosanovich.com

Safety Harbor Optical
Dr. Shawn M. Hollander
330 Main Street
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 791-1233
www.visionsource-drhollander.com

Illinois

Fireside Eye Care
Shawna Heddinghaus, OD
600 South 8th Street
Benld, IL 62009
(217) 835-7724
www.firesideeyecare-visionsource.com/

Maryland

Center for Vision Rehabilitation at the National Retina Institute
Michelle Bianchi, OTR/L, CLVT
901 Dulaney Valley Road
Suite 200
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 337-4500
www.nationalretina.org

Michigan

Riemer Eyecare
Randall J. Riemer, OD
207 East Bridge St, Portland, MI  48875
(517) 647-2020
www.RiemerEyecare.com

Nevada

Visionary Eye Center
Jason Bolenbaker, OD
8175 S Virginia St B900
Reno, NV 89511
(775) 827-1100
www.visionaryeyecenter.com

New York

Maureen C. O'Dwyer, O.D                            
121 East 60th Street, Suite 2C New York, NY 10022
(212) 688-618
www.drmaureenodwyer.com

Sound Shore Vision Center
Dr. Steve D. Rubinstein,OD
910 E. Boston Post Rd
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
(914) 835-6990
www.SoundShoreVisionCenter.com

North Carolina

Invision Services, Inc.
John Higgins, Director, COMS
960 Corporate Drive, Suite 406
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 643-7640
www.invisionservices.info

Ohio

The Ohio State University Optometry Services
338 W 10th Ave
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-2020

The Complete Eyecare Institute, Inc.
Victor M Bello, MD
34950 Chardon Road, Ste 102
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
(440) 975-8200
www.drbello.com

Hills & Dales Vision, Inc.
Dr. Michael K. Shaheen,  O.D.
4555 Hills & Dales Rd NW
Canton, OH 44708
(330) 478-8996 
www.eyedocshaheen.com

Pennsylvania

Eye Group, PC
Noah M. Eger, OD, FAAOEger
1501 State Avenue
Coraopolis, PA 15108
(412) 264-8830     
www.EgerEye.com

South Dakota

Premier Family Eyecare
Dr. Nathan Wiederholt OD
322 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Ste. 120
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-2716
www.visionsource-custer.com

Tennessee

The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry
Marc B. Taub, OD, MS, FAAO, FCOVD
1245 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 722-3250
http://tec.sco.edu

Total Eye Care, P.A.
Don Gayso, O.D.
6060 Primacy Parkway ste. 200
Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 761.4620
www.totaleyecarememphis.com

Texas
Cy-Fair Eyecare
Loraine R. Payan, OD & Jose A. Payan, OD
9740 Barker Cypress Rd, Suite112, Cypress TX 77433
(281) 550-7900
www.cyfaireyecare.com

Bruce Wick, OD PhD
13615 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77083
(281) 933-3446 x136

Houston Eye Associates
39 physicians and 6 optometrists
2855 Gramercy
Houston, TX  77025
(713) 668-6828
www.houstoneye.com

Eyes Nouveau
Dr. John Bass, O.D.
1247 Main Street
Southlake, TX 76092
(817) 481-2070
www.eyesnouveau.com

Puerto Rico

Low Vision specialist
Dra. Carmen Suarez Castro
Domenech Ave. #369 Hato Rey PR 00928
(787) 754-0814



Internet Resources

Blind and Visually Impaired Web Ring – This web ring list lots of different resources and personal pages with listings from blind piano tuners to resource for teachers and parents of visually impaired children.

Visually Impaired and The Blind - This website is dedicated to providing information and resources relevant to the blind and visually impaired communities. Includes employment links, vendor lists, resource pages and inspirational monthly interviews.

Affordable Colleges Online provides community resources and tools related to higher education with an eye on affordability and accreditation for students with visual impairments.

Unite for Sight Founded in 2000 and located in New Haven, CT this international nonprofit organization supports eye clinics worldwide by applying best practices in eye care, public health, volunteerism and social entrepreneurship to achieve the goal of providing high quality eye care for all globally.

Medicaid Long Term Care Guide Eligibility by State: Here is a link to a clickable map of the United States allowing one to review each State's individual programs and eligibility requirements for their Medicaid long term care. Medicaid long term care is a partnership between the state and federal government with the goal of taking care of each State’s Aged, Blind, or Disabled populations.


Reading and Audio Services

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) - RFB&D is a national organization dedicated to helping those with print disabilities complete their education, advance their careers, and gain self-esteem. It is a fabulous resource for recorded materal for the blind and visually impaired.

National Library Service for the Blind - Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of Braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail. Contact your local library for more

Jewish Braille Institute (JBI) - The JBI Library provides the visually impaired, blind, physically handicapped and reading disabled of all backgrounds and ages with books, magazines and cultural programs in Audio (in 7 languages), in Large Print and in Braille. Its unique programs enrich the lives of 35,000 individual around the world.

Radio Reading Service - Radio Reading Services locally broadcast the reading of newspapers, books and magazines to the blind, physically impaired and those who have difficulty reading small print. Due to copyright law, Reading Service radio broadcasts are restricted to a closed channel unavailable to the general public. The only way to hear the service is by ordering a special ‘sub-channel’ radio or through a webstream. Search your local area to find a radio station broadcasting this service.



Hard of Hearing Resources

Hearing Loss Association of America (Formerly Self Help for the hard of Hearing – SHHH) The Hearing Loss Association of American is the nations’ largest membership and advocacy organization for people with hearing loss. Their mission is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support. The organization continues to fulfill its mission in innovative ways, such as launching its groundbreaking online education program, the American Academy of Hearing Loss Support Specialists™ in fall 2005, and launching a new design for its web site in 2006.

National Association of the Deaf - The mission of the National Association of the Deaf is to promote, protect, and preserve the rights and quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America. Through its promotion of legal rights and active advocacy programs, the NAD has a long history of defending the rights of deaf and hard of hearing people. Through its Law and Advocacy Center they seek to educate, advocate, and litigate on behalf of and to empower deaf and hard of hearing people.

Association for Late Deafened Adults – ALDA is a consumer support group for people who have experienced deafness post-lingually, or any time after the development of speech and language. Usually a late-deafened adult (LDA) has identified with hearing society through schooling, social connections, etc. They are usually unable to understand speech without visual aids such as speech-reading, sign language, and/or Computer Aided Real-time Transcription (CART). Local chapter feature periodic meetings, while the web site hosts chat rooms and discussion lists.

The Ear Foundation – The mission of the Ear Foundation is to enrich the lives of the hearing impaired through public awareness and continuing medical education. They have four main programs which focus on hearing health for school children, awareness creation for noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), a network for people with Menieres Disease, and information for age related hearing loss. They produce the Senior EARS Magazine which is full of information on hearing loss and related resources.

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deal and Hard of Hearing – The AG Bell offers a series of programs for parents, professional, Adults, and Teens with hearing loss. They are seeking to become the leading international source for information, research, and education on hearing loss and spoken languageTheir programs include a Children’s Legal Advocacy program, a Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, and a teaching certificate program to help teaching professionals expand their skills in the areas of auditory/oral and Auditory-Verbal approaches to therapy and intervention.

Internet Resources

Accredited Schools Online Resources for Students with Hearing Impairments. - Here is a guide that was created by speech pathologists and education experts. This in-depth guidebook includes more than a dozen tech tools, gadgets, and apps that deaf and hard-of-hearing students can use to achieve higher education success. It also breaks down how colleges and professors can make college learning environments better for those who may not hear as well as others.

The Hearing Exchange is an online community for people who are deaf or hard of hearing or a professional who works with people with hearing loss. The website fosters the exchange of ideas and information on hearing loss and related issues through chat rooms, employment boards, message boards, article archives, and resource listings.

Gallaudet University offers a wonderful, comprehensive list of state programs for those that are deaf or hard of hearing. Please visit their web site for further information.

Medical Resources

American Academy of Audiology – The American Academy of Audiology is the world's largest professional organization of, for and by audiologists. The active membership of more than 10,000 audiologists join together to provide the highest quality of hearing healthcare services to children and adults. For consumers, their website features many helpful consumer guides and articles related to hearing health. Most importantly, the site can help you find an audiologist in your area.