Resources

The following resources can help you find low vision specialists, services and information. Inclusion on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Eye Institute or the National Institutes of Health. 

For locating a low vision specialist in your area, you can contact the following:

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 
P.O. Box 7424 San Francisco, CA 94120-7424 
(415) 561-8500 

The AAO represents ophthalmologists, medical and osteopathic physicians, who provide comprehensive eye care, including medical, surgical and optical care. Their website provides a directory of ophthalmologists in low vision rehabilitation. http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/find/index.cfm 

American Optometric Association (AOA) 
243 N. Lindbergh Boulevard 
St. Louis, MO 63141 
(800) 365-2219 
(314) 991-4100 

The AOA represents doctors of optometry (ODs) who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Their website provides a directory of optometrists in vision rehabilitation. http://www.aoa.org/x5428.xml 

These organizations have databases to help you find low vision services in your state or local area: 

American Association of the Deaf-Blind 
P.O. Box 2831 
Kensington, MD 20891 
(301) 495-4403 
(301) 495-4402 TTY 
(301) 563-9107 Video Phone 

The American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) is a nonprofit national consumer organization of, by, and for deaf-blind Americans and their supporters. They provide a database (http://www.aadb.org/resources/resources.html) of state and local organizations and agencies serving that help deaf-blind persons achieve their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity, and integration into the community.

National Council of State Agencies for the Blind 

NCSAB members are the state agencies that provide resources and services for the visually impaired. The website provides links to state agencies. 

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Library of Congress 
Washington, DC 20542 
(202) 707-5100 
(202) 707-0744 TDD 

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. To find a local library, visit: http://www.loc.gov/nls/find.html 

VisionAware 

VisionAware helps adults who are losing their sight continue to live full and independent lives by providing timely information, step-by-step daily living techniques, a directory of national and local services, and a supportive online community. The website has “Looking for Help”, a directory of state and local resources. 

VisionServe Alliance 
8760 Manchester Road 
St. Louis, MO 63144 
(314) 961-8235 

VisionServe Alliance represents non-profit organizations in every aspect of services to people who are blind or visually impaired. The website provides a listing of local and state organizations. 

For information on low vision and to find additional resources, contact the following national organizations: 

American Council of the Blind 
2200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 650 
Arlington, VA 22201-3354 
(800) 424-8666 
(202) 467-5081 

The American Council of the Blind strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life, for all blind and visually-impaired people. 

American Foundation for the Blind 
2 Penn Plaza, Suite 1102 
New York, NY 10121 
(800) 232-5463 
(212) 502-7600 

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) expands possibilities for Americans living with vision loss. AFB programs directly address the most pressing needs of people with vision loss and their families. 

American Printing House for the Blind 
1839 Frankfort Avenue 
P.O. Box 6085 
Louisville, KY 40206-0085 
(800) 223-1839 
(502) 895-2405 

The American Printing House for the Blind is a nonprofit organization creating educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are visually impaired. 

Blinded Veterans Association 
477 H Street, NW 
Washington, DC 20001 
(202) 371-8880 

The Blinded Veterans Association represents blinded veterans helping blinded veterans. Through their programs, regional groups, resources, and advocacy, they hope to make life better for blinded veterans. All legally blinded veterans are also eligible for BVA’s assistance whether they become blind during or after active duty military service. 

Choice Magazine Listening 
85 Channel Drive 
Port Washington, NY 11050 
(888) 724-6423 
(516) 883-8280 

Choice Magazine Listening is a nonprofit organization that provides audio recordings of memorable articles, stories, interviews, essays and poems from outstanding current magazines, completely free of charge, to blind, visually impaired, physically disabled or dyslexic adults. 

Christian Record Services for the Blind 
4444 South 52nd Street 
Lincoln, NE 68516-1302 
(402) 488-0981 

Christian Record Services provides free Christian publications and programs for people with visual impairments. 

Council of Citizens with Low Vision International 
(800) 733-2258 

CCLVI is a membership organization. Some of their services include providing mechanism through which low vision people can express their individual needs, interests and preferences and educating the general public, professionals, and low vision people themselves as to the potentialities, capabilities, and needs of low vision people. 

Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults 
141 Middle Neck Road 
Sands Point, NY 11050 
(516) 944-8900 
(516) 944-8637 TTY 
(516) 570-3626 Videophone 
(866) 351-9089 Videophone 

The mission of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults is to enable each person who is deaf-blind to live and work in his or her community of choice. 

JBI International 
110 E. 30th Street 
New York, NY 10016 
(800) 433-1531 
(212) 889-2525 

JBI has provided people of all ages who are blind, visually impaired or reading disabled with books, magazines, and special publications in Braille, Large Print and in Audio format that enable them to maintain their connection to the rich literary and cultural life of the Jewish and broader community. 

Learning Ally 
20 Roszel Road 
Princeton, NJ 08540 
(800) 221–4792 

The mission of Learning Ally is to promote personal achievement when access and reading are barriers to learning by advancing the use of accessible and effective educational solutions. 

Lighthouse International 
111 East 59th Street 
New York, NY 10022 
(800) 829–0500 
(212) 821–9200 

Lighthouse International, a worldwide resource on vision impairment and rehabilitation, is dedicated to enabling people of all ages to overcome the challenges of vision loss. 

National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments 
P.O. Box 317 
Watertown, MA 02471 
(800) 562-6265 
(617) 972-7441 

The National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments is a non-profit organization of, by and for parents committed to providing support to the parents of children who have visual impairments. 

National Family Association for Deaf-Blind 
141 Middle Neck Road 
Sands Point, NY 11050 
(800) 255-0411 

The National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB) is a nonprofit national organization of families of individuals who are deaf-blind. 

National Federation of the Blind 
200 East Wells Street 
Baltimore, MD 21230 
(410) 659-9314 

The National Federation of the Blind is a source for helping blind and visually impaired people find the resources, support, and hope they need to lead productive and fulfilling lives. 

National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health 
31 Center Drive MSC 2510 
Bethesda, MD 20892-2510 
(301) 496-5248 

The National Eye Institute provides a consumer-friendly forum where people can learn important information about low vision and vision rehabilitation, how to help a loved one and resources available. 

Prevent Blindness America 
211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1700 
Chicago, Illinois 60606 
(800) 331-2020 

Prevent Blindness America offers free information and personal assistance for people dealing with low vision caused by macular degeneration or other eye diseases.