You’re not alone! The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that 3 to 3.5 million people age 65+ in the U.S. are severely visually impaired. This figure could increase to 7 million by 2030. As average U.S. life expectancy increases, there are more older people with vision loss.

Some people are joiners; some prefer to be loners. Either way, many find that a problem like vision loss confronts them with new choices. If vision loss occurs, many older people discover the benefits of joining the “community” of others with vision problems.

• Sometimes it helps just to talk individually with others, express feelings, and share tips for daily living in an informal setting.
• Many people seek out a vision support group, where people with vision loss meet together regularly for emotional support and practical assistance.
• Some people want to meet with a professional who provides vision rehabilitation (“vision rehab”) services.
• Other people enroll in a group or individual class with a rehabilitation teacher. Teachers offer classes like:
• Cooking
• Sewing and mending
• Woodworking
• Crafts
• Mobility (getting around safely)
• Many excellent websites and books are available with practical information and tips.
• There are many advocacy organizations that work on behalf of visually impaired and blind people.

Since isolation and withdrawal will only bring new problems, don’t delay. Seek out the contacts that are best for you. Your vision professional, family doctor, or even other visually impaired people can help you find the support that’s right for you.

Vision Support Groups

Today there are many kinds of local support groups, to bring together people experiencing a common challenge. For example, there are support groups for diabetes, grief, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Some people experiencing vision loss also find it supportive and helpful to join a group of others with similar problems, to share experiences and tips for daily living.

Not sure whether there’s a group in your area?

• Contact the nearest office of Minnesota State Services for the Blind
• In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, contact Vision Loss Resources
• Ask your vision professional
• Contact your local hospital

If no group exists where you live, consider starting one. All you need are:

• A few people with a similar interest
• A meeting schedule and plan
• And a place to meet (Local hospitals and senior centers often make meeting rooms available for support groups at no cost. Sometimes they will help publicize the group so others can join.)

Many vision support groups meet monthly or every other month. Some arrange their programs six months or a year in advance, others a month at a time. Having an organized and energetic person work as the program planner is a real plus. The only cost may be for light refreshments if you want them, or for mailing out meeting notices or reminders. Local newspapers and newsletters may agree to publish free meeting notices. Volunteers may be available to help with transportation or other needs.

The keys to a successful support group are:

• A regular meeting schedule and location
• A commitment by each group member to be active and involved at every meeting
• A leader who will take responsibility for keeping the group organized and lively (This could be a visually impaired person, their spouse, a family member, or a supportive professional.)

Advocacy Organizations

A wide variety of advocacy organizations for blind and visually impaired people offer membership, activities, websites, publications, and more. These organizations are another way of spreading the shared wisdom of people who have experienced vision loss and how they’ve coped.