When trying to decide what kinds of help and support you need, it’s helpful to begin by listing the day-to-day difficulties you’re having. Make note of which problems are – and are not – related to your vision loss:

• Which tasks can you still do independently?
• Which tasks can you do independently, but with difficulty?
• Which tasks require some assistance?
• Which tasks are you no longer able to do?

Be sure to include your family members and friends and ask if they have additional concerns or observations that you are not aware of. When discussing how to cope with vision loss, it's important that you talk about your fears and feelings and help your family and friends adjust to your vision loss while maintaining your own independence.

After you complete this exercise, you can begin to look for the kinds of help and support you need. You'll also begin to understand what you can do to cope with these changes in your vision.

Vision Loss Support Groups, Self-Study, and Vision Rehabilitation

You may find it helpful to share your feelings with a close family member or friend, a professional counselor, your family doctor, or a religious or spiritual leader. You can also reach out to a vision loss support group, explore vision rehabilitation self-study courses, or speak with a professional staff member at a vision rehabilitation agency.

Additional Information and Resources for Self-Help and Self-Study To Help Cope with Vision Loss

• How to cope with the emotional impact of blindness and low vision
• National organizations of and for people who are blind or have low vision
• Employment-related support groups
• State Rehabilitation Agencies and other vision services in your area
• Vision Rehabilitation Services
• Services Specific to Older Persons
• Searchable Databases

For more information about any of these options, see Find Services on this web site.