Even if you’re a very private person, interacting with other individuals who have experienced vision loss can be extremely therapeutic. It's important to keep in mind, however, that each person is an individual and will react to and cope with their own vision loss in highly specific and personal ways. Also, people with longstanding vision loss may or may not experience the same challenges and day-to-day difficulties as people with more recent blindness or low vision.

Nevertheless, meeting other people who have lost vision in their later years can help you -- and them -- feel less alone or misunderstood. Support groups also provide an opportunity to share your experiences and hard-won expertise in adapting and managing everyday tasks.

The following organizations can provide you with information about self-help and support groups in your area:

Vision Loss Support Groups

The following organizations can provide you with information about self-help and support groups in your area:

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• American Council of the Blind is a membership organization of blind and visually impaired people. The Council strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people
• American Diabetes Association is the leading nonprofit health organization in the USA providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.
• American Foundation for the Blind provides a 'Where Can I Find…' database of services in the United States and Canada, including rehabilitation services, volunteer services, employment and job training, and support groups.
• Council of Citizens with Low Vision International is an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.
• E.A.R.S. for EYES Program provides free self-study audiotapes that teach adaptive daily living skills to blind and visually impaired older adults. Subject areas include kitchen techniques, eating skills, indoor mobility and personal grooming.
• National Association for Visually Handicapped helps the "hard of seeing" worldwide cope with the psychological effects of visual impairment and provides low vision services, visual aids, and training to anyone in need of these services.
• National Federation of the Blind provides services, support, information, and products for independent living.
• VisionConnection is Lighthouse International's accessible online resource for people who are blind or have low vision. Use the VisionConnection 'Help Near You Locator' database to find information about agencies and services in the United States and overseas.

Please see our additional listings for information about self-help and vision rehabilitation:

• State Rehabilitation Agencies & Other Vision Services in your area
• Services Specific to Older Persons
• Searchable Databases
• and our resources for employment-related support groups