Coordinated Services for Blinded Veterans 

Introduction 

Blindness has been considered one of the most devastating disabilities that can 

affect an individual, striking people of all ages and walks of life. There are an 

increasing number of legally blind veterans, primarily due to the aging of our 

veteran population and the increase in numbers of individuals serving in the 

military. The term legal blindness is, however, a deceiving one. The generally 

accepted definition is: central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, 

with ordinary corrective glasses; or, central visual acuity better than 20/200 in the 

better eye, and a field defect in which the peripheral field at its widest tested 

diameter is less than 20 degrees. Approximately 85 percent of people classified 

as legally blind have some kind of usable remaining vision. The number of 

legally blind veterans is estimated at 160,000. 

In the United States, the number of low vision veterans, those having significant, 

uncorrectable visual impairment between 20/70 to, but not including, legal 

blindness, is currently estimated to be 1,026,000. Because the most frequent 

causes of low vision are age-related, the number of visually impaired veterans is 

expected to increase substantially. Changing demographics of the veteran 

population suggest the need to modify models of services delivery to improve 

services, access and patient satisfaction. 

The VA is actively pursuing alternative service delivery models and expanding 

existing services. Of the 160,000 veterans eligible for Blind Rehabilitation 

Services, over 35,000 are currently enrolled to receive services. The challenge 

of helping blinded veterans has greatly increased, and VA is attempting to meet 

the challenge. 

The impact of blindness is individualized and includes both the older veteran 

whose vision gradually worsens due to macular degeneration or diabetes and the 

serviceperson who is rendered totally blind by traumatic injury. Each of these 

veterans requires individualized, specialized care and treatment suited to the 

cause of blindness, physical and medical condition, age, ability to cope with 
frustrating situations, learning ability, and the overall needs and lifestyle of the 

veteran. 

Indeed a person confronted with blindness may feel limited and frustrated in 

performing a variety of everyday activities previously taken for granted. Such 

tasks as dressing, eating, writing, reading and traveling may become quite 

difficult to do independently. Communication with other people by ordinary 

means is hampered, as is the ability to keep up with the daily news and current 

events. Social interaction, recreation, and hobbies may be drastically limited or 

curtailed. 

Very frequently, as vision fails, a person may be forced into premature 

retirement; loss of income and financial security may then become a serious 

problem. Coupled with the above factors, it is not uncommon for the newly

blinded individual to undergo a period of personal stress, Serious doubts of selfworth and self- esteem, the feeling of being less of a person, or believing the 

future holds little promise may be evident. Pressure and strain may then be 

placed on the veteran, spouse, and family. 

Loss of sight affects each person differently and is capable of hindering overall 

functioning, including employment, recreation, social and family life, and 

communications. To help the veteran cope with these problems, the Department 

of Veterans Affairs has established within Veterans Health Administration, the 

Blind Rehabilitation Service to provide a wide variety of services to veterans who 

are blind. The Blind Rehabilitation Program is designed to improve the quality of 

life for veterans who are blind or severely visually impaired through the 

development of skills and capabilities needed for personal independence, 

adjustment, and successful re-integration into the community and family 

environment. Elements of the Blind Rehabilitation Coordinated Services Program 

include: 10 Blind Rehabilitation Centers, Visual Impairment Services Teams 

(VIST) located at many medical centers and Outpatient Clinic, Blind 

Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS), National Consultants and a 

Computer Access Training (CAT) Program. In addition, there are a variety of 

low vision services and blind rehabilitation service delivery models within the 
Veterans Administration, e.g. Visual Impairment Services Outpatient Programs 

(VISOR) and Visual Impairment Centers to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORs) 

programs. 

Blind Rehabilitation Service has developed a continuum-of-care model 

encompassing alternative rehabilitative service delivery. The following will 

describe in some detail the programs offered in Blind Rehabilitation Service as 

well as low vision services available at local VA medical centers and outpatient 

clinics. 

 The Blind Rehabilitation Centers 

The first and pioneering Blind Rehabilitation Center was opened at the VA 

Hospital in Hines, Illinois, just west of Chicago, in 1948. To meet the demand of 

increasing numbers of blind veterans, additional Blind Centers were later 

strategically located throughout the United States, at VA Medical Centers in Palo 

Alto, California in 1967; West Haven, Connecticut, 1969; American Lake, 

Washington, 1971; Waco, Texas, 1974; Birmingham, Alabama, 1982; San Juan, 

Puerto Rico, 1985; Tucson, Arizona, 1994; Augusta, Georgia, 1996; and West 

Palm Beach, Florida in 2000. Future plans include the addition of two new blind 

centers in Biloxi, Mississippi and Long Beach, California. 

The Blind Rehabilitation Centers (BRCs) provide rehabilitation to legally blind 

veterans. Comprehensive individualized blind rehabilitation services are 

provided in an inpatient medical center environment by a multidisciplinary team 

of providers. A specialized Computer Access Training Program (CAT) is offered 

as a specialized inpatient rehabilitation option. BRC attendance requires 

ongoing daily participation in the rehabilitation process. The veteran must be 

able to meet travel requirements to an appropriate facility and any medical 

condition must be stable enough to participate in the daily classes. Blind 

rehabilitation services are offered on site, and throughout the local community. 

The management of chronic medical conditions is addressed as part of the 

training regime and may be improved during the stay. 
The many years of experience by Blind Rehabilitation staff has shown that a 

program of comprehensive rehabilitation is usually the best course to follow for 

those that are legally or totally blind. An experienced professional staff member 

acts as a Team Coordinator and guides the individual through a process that 

eventually leads to maximum adjustment to the disability, re-organization of the 

person’s life, and return to a contributing place in the family and community. To 

achieve comprehensive rehabilitation, the Blind Rehabilitation Centers offer a 

variety of classes designed to help the veteran achieve a realistic level of 

independence 

In Blind Rehabilitation Centers, the veterans participate in the following courses: 

Orientation and Mobility 

Principles of independent travel for both low vision and totally blind veterans are 

taught, using a "long cane" for safe and effective travel. Maximum use of any 

remaining vision as an aid to travel is evaluated, low vision devices are fitted and 

their use is made an integral part of mobility training. Sensory training classes 

teach the veteran how to use remaining senses, particularly hearing, as an 

effective aid in travel and exercises in mental mapping show the veteran how to 

maintain orientation while traveling through different kinds of environments. 

Instruction ranges from relatively simple routes to the increasingly complex, and 

gradually builds the veteran's confidence in the ability to travel independently. By 

the completion of the instruction, the veteran should have a realistic picture of his 

or her travel capacity and be able to travel independently in both familiar and 

unfamiliar areas. 

Living Skills 

This phase of the rehabilitation program generally consists of several areas: 

communications, activities of daily living and independent living program. 

Communications: Instruction in this area is designed to replace or restore the 

ease of written and spoken communication. Opportunities to learn and utilize 
Braille, typing, handwriting, telling time, management of financial records, use of 

tape recorders and other electronic equipment are all provided to the veteran. 

These courses equip the veteran with the means to help keep up with current 

events, correspondence, personal files, and maintain, as far as possible, normal 

means of communications with other people. 

Activities of Daily Living: The veteran is also taught various techniques, methods 

and use of devices that can aid in doing countless daily tasks. The area ranges 

from such simple things as shining shoes or making a cup of coffee, to complex 

situations such as arranging an entire wardrobe, shopping, kitchen organization, 

and preparation of complete meals. The emphasis is on learning by doing; 

techniques and methods are taught and then integrated into the veteran's daily 

routine. By the completion of the program, the veteran should be capable of 

handling these various tasks with much greater, or complete independence. A 

fringe benefit is increased independence in the home situation, lessening the 

burden of care for the family and easing tensions that may have arisen. 

Independent Living Program: Each Blind Rehabilitation Center has established 

an independent living program in the living skills department, designed primarily 

for those veterans who will be living alone after rehabilitation. After extensive 

instruction, the veteran is afforded the opportunity to practice the acquired skills 

under minimal or no supervision. Thus the veteran can experience on a practical 

basis the problems encountered in living independently and can provide solutions 

to these problems. 

The Living Skills Instructors arrange consultation with the medical center dietetic 

service, so that each veteran has the opportunity for ongoing meetings on a oneto-one basis with a dietitian. This is especially important for those veterans who 

require special diets; they can be educated concerning these diets and the need 

to follow them as closely as possible. Detailed instructions in preparation of 

special diets can be provided. 

Manual Skills 
This area provides the veteran the means to develop organizational skills, 

awareness of the environment, safe and efficient work habits, spatial 

relationships, and an understanding of tactual ability. 

The material is presented to the veteran in several areas, which may include, but 

are not limited to; leatherwork, home mechanics, woodworking, metal working, 

weaving and ceramics. 

The initial training area consists primarily of working with hand-crafted objects to 

develop the individual’s confidence in their non-visual senses. The home 

mechanics is an introduction to the tools and organizational techniques that allow 

an individual to perform simple repairs or assembly and repair activities. 

Advanced training focuses on the use of a variety of adaptive measuring devices, 

hand tools, and power equipment utilized in a woodworking program. The 

manual skills area focuses on the sequential develop of skills and confidence to 

perform activities independently. 

The manual skills area is not vocational training, although some 

veterans have developed vocational interests or hobbies from it. Frequently, 

manual skills training enables a veteran to resume performing home repairs in a 

workshop at home, or other related activities thus further adding to the person's 

self-confidence and quality of life. 

Visual Skills 

Approximately 85 percent of all veterans entering a Blind Rehabilitation Center 

have some remaining vision that may be useful in many situations. For these 

veterans, a thorough visual skills evaluation is performed. Each veteran is given 

a comprehensive eye exam shortly after admission. 

This instructional area addresses the needs of veterans with partial vision and helps them 

to gain a better understanding of their eye problems through patient education. Instruction 

focuses on teaching participants how to effectively utilize their remaining vision through the 

use of low vision scanning and eccentric viewing techniques. It includes assessment and 
training with special optical aids and devices that are designed to meet the various needs 

of the person being served. These needs may include lessons that employ a variety of 

visual aids, devices, special equipment, and training modalities that address near, 

intermediate, and distance tasks as necessary in order to: read printed material, perform 

activities of daily living, engage in home repairs, travel independently, etc. 

An important goal of the visual skills area is to help the veterans develop a 

realistic assessment and understanding of their visual capability and limitations 

so that they may better use their vision in daily life. 

Computer Access Training Section (CATS) 

The CATS provide specialized services to eligible veterans through 

comprehensive adaptive computer needs assessment, recommendation of 

equipment, training on recommended equipment, issuance of equipment upon 

successful completion of training and basic follow-up technical support. Eligible 

veterans may be able to receive local training and issuance if there are local 

qualified providers in the veterans’ communities who can provide computer 

assessment and training. 

The type of equipment issued by CATS is a state-of-the-art computer system 

with necessary peripherals and all access hardware/software to meet the 

veteran’s identified needs. 

Training encompasses comprehensive instruction on access hardware/software, 

computer literacy, familiarization to computer keyboard, fundamentals of disk 

operating systems and fundamentals of word processing as well as internet 

access and email. Exceptions to this training regimen are determined on a caseby-case basis. 

Physical Conditioning 

The onset of visual loss may interrupt or stop completely a pattern of exercise or 

activities that many veterans have incorporated into their daily lives, thus causing 
a decrease in muscular tone and stamina. Under medical supervision, each Blind 

Rehabilitation Center offers a physical conditioning area. 

Exercises and activities can range from the relatively sedentary to relatively 

vigorous, depending on the ability and need of the veteran. The exercise 

programs are usually self directed by the individual veterans. Even a moderate 

program of regular exercise can assist many veterans in management of 

complicated medical situations. 

Recreation 

Just as the pattern of normal exercise and activity can be affected 

by blindness, so can the areas of recreation that bring refreshment and 

enjoyment to a person's life. A broad array of recreational activities and interests 

is offered, for groups and for individuals. Attendance at sports events, theaters, 

movies, concerts, as well as social gatherings of various kinds, is planned for all 

patients. The aim is to revive interest in activities that have been done in the 

past, and stimulate interest in new areas. Possible social and recreational 

activities in the veteran's home area are discussed and methods for realistic 

involvement in them are explored. 

Adjustment to Blindness 

The difficult area of emotional and behavioral adjustment to blindness is the chief 

role of the Clinical Psychologist, Social Worker and the rehabilitation team. 

Through individual counseling sessions, group meeting, and a variety of 

information techniques, they help each veteran deal with blindness and learn to 

cope with it. The entire rehabilitation program attempts to develop a therapeutic 

environment in which the total staff assists the veteran in coming to grips with the 

reality of visual loss. 

A Clinical Psychologist is assigned to each Blind Rehabilitation Center. The 

Psychologist's duties include a careful evaluation of the veteran's strengths and 
limitations, counseling in individual and group sessions on various aspects of 

blindness and emotional adjustment, and assisting each veteran to formulate a 

plan of life consistent with or superior to life before blindness. Planning can 

include vocational rehabilitation, return to school, job re-training, or development 

of a vocational interest. Vocational planning is coordinated with Veterans 

Benefits Administration (VBA) Counseling and Rehabilitation staff for veterans 

eligible for those services. Non-eligible veterans may be referred to the 

appropriate state agency for the blind. The Psychologist as part of the 

rehabilitation team consistently consults with the team to insure that the veteran's 

psychological needs are addressed in all aspects of the program. 

The Social Worker provides assistance to veterans and designated family 

members in evaluating and solving social, emotional, or family problems affecting 

treatment. Problems may be related to adjustment to blindness, family/ 

interpersonal relationships, financial difficulties, housing/living arrangements, 

etc., and may require linkage with community resources in the veteran's home 

area in order to assure that necessary services are available and utilized 

following discharge. 

The Social Worker may also arrange a Family Program as indicated by the 

recommendation of the team and the veteran's needs. In many situations the 

Family Program is a very important aspect of the complete rehabilitation 

program. If a Family Program is recommended and approved, the veteran 

selects a family member with whom he/she reside to visit the Blind Rehabilitation 

Center for several days, approximately three-quarters of the way through the 

veteran's program. Cost of travel, lodging, and meals are defrayed by VA. The 

purpose of the Family Program is to maximize the involvement of the veteran's 

family in the rehabilitation process, and demonstrate what changes the veteran 

has made since the beginning of the program. Experience has shown this is a 

very important aspect of rehabilitation, since it enlightens and educates the family 

member and insures the rehabilitation continues once the veteran’s return home. 

The Family Program assists family members in their own adjustment to the 

veterans’ visual loss by identifying adjustment problems or misconceptions they 

have experienced that may have negatively affected veterans’ adjustment. Thus 

the family is helped to realize its crucial role in the rehabilitation process. 
Group Meetings 

One strength of the residential rehabilitation center is that it brings together 

people from many varied backgrounds, educational levels, and occupations that 

as veterans have one thing in common, blindness. Through interaction with other 

people experiencing the same difficulty, the group itself can frequently support 

individuals as they struggle with their feelings. To aid in this process, group 

meetings, including therapy and didactic sessions, are scheduled that allow 

expression of feelings concerning blindness. 

Team Coordinator Concept 

Each Blind Rehabilitation facility follows the team coordinator approach to 

rehabilitation. The staff assigned to work with a particular patient forms the rehabilitation team with the veteran as the most important member. One staff 

person serving as the coordinator or case manager of the team. The team 

coordinator follows the progress of the veteran from the day of admission until 

the day of discharge, assisting the veteran in whatever way possible and 

assuring that the goals of the veteran and the rehabilitation program are 

addressed. This allows one person to serve as the focal point for the veteran's 

rehabilitation program, so the veteran knows who is specifically available for 

advice, consultation, and discussion concerning details of the their rehabilitation 

program. The team is delegated responsibility for planning the details of the 

rehabilitation program and making adjustments as necessary. As an important 

part of the team approach, the veteran is involved as much as possible in the 

planning of the program; just as staff may suggest changes or modification to the 

rehabilitation plan, so may the veteran provide input to the team, recommending 

appropriate modifications. In this way, the veteran is an active member of the 

team and is a party to all aspects of the rehabilitation program, especially the 

setting of goals and objectives. This team approach to rehabilitation is the heart 

of the rehabilitation concept and helps assure accountability for the quality of 

patient care. 

Life at the Rehabilitation Center 
Eligible blinded veterans may apply for admission to a Blind Rehabilitation Center 

through the nearest VA facility in their particular area of the United States. 

Transportation to the Blind Center and return home is subject to the current 

beneficiary travel regulations which may impose some limitations on travel 

payments. Prior to commencing travel, the veteran should contact the local VA 

medical center travel clerk for full details. An escort to accompany the veteran to 

the Blind Rehabilitation Center may be approved if the particular veteran's 

condition so warrants. 

Teaching activities at the Blind Rehabilitation Center follow the usual government 

work routine, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week. Classes of varying duration are 

scheduled throughout the work day. The veteran is expected to participate in a 

full day of training each day unless contraindicated due to physical limitations. 

After the work day is completed, each veteran is permitted to go on pass, subject 

to medical and administrative clearance. Families, friends, or relatives are 

welcome to visit in the evenings or on week- ends, but not during the work day. 

All the Blind Rehabilitation Centers require that veterans remain in the center for 

the first weekend so that they may quickly adapt to the rehabilitation 

environment. Exceptions may be made by the Chief of the Blind Rehabilitation 

Center as individual situations demand. 

Comfortable, casual clothing is the rule for most classes; clothing should be 

appropriate to the particular facility, the time of year, and the climate of the 

geographic area. Linens and towels are provided, although veterans are 

expected to wash their personal laundry in the laundry room, after instruction in 

the use of the washer and dryer. Since the Blind Rehabilitation facilities are well 

equipped, veterans need not bring such things as radios, tape recorders, talking 

book machines, and other items of that nature. Veterans are encouraged to open 

an account with the medical center's Agent Cashier for the deposit of personal 

funds, and they may make withdrawals as needed. 

Each Blind Rehabilitation Center is assigned a physician and nursing staff to help 

maintain and improve the health of each veteran. Since the Blind Rehabilitation 

Centers are located within VA medical centers, the facilities and clinics of those 
medical centers are available as necessary. Working together, the physician and 

the nurses implement the health care regimen and monitor the ongoing medical 

status of each veteran, as well as educate the veteran concerning any medical 

situations. Nurses are an integral part of the rehabilitation team and help assure 

that the veteran's physical condition will not interfere with the rehabilitation 

program. The nursing staff also plays an important role in the area of self 

medication. They and the team work to maximize an each individual’s 

independence in this area. 

Length of the Rehabilitation Program 

The length of the rehabilitation program varies from veteran to veteran. In 

addition to visual levels, the veteran's general health, emotional condition, 

learning ability and motivation will determine the length of stay. The first week of 

the program is spent evaluating the veteran's overall condition and assessing the 

veteran's general and specific needs. After a team assessment, which includes 

the veteran, intensive rehabilitation begins and a projection of length of training 

made. This projection can be updated as circumstances and the veteran's need 

warrant. 

Veterans should remember that rehabilitation is a dynamic process and cannot 

be rushed. This is required to thoroughly learn skills and incorporate them into 

the lifestyle. We ask veterans to be willing to give sufficient time to adequately 

complete their rehabilitation programs. Again, experience demonstrates that time 

passes very quickly at the Blind Rehabilitation Centers and we know that each 

veteran will consider it an investment in their future. 

Prosthetic Appliances and Sensory Aids for Persons Who are Blind 

The Chiefs of the Blind Rehabilitation Centers have been authorized to prescribe 

various devices for the legally blind veterans who undergo rehabilitation training. 

Each veteran is evaluated and taught the use of appropriate devices. Issuance of 

devices to veterans is based upon need, the demonstrated ability to use them, 

and adherence to clearly defined criteria. Any device issued to veterans is 
designed to assist them in overcoming the disability of blindness and to permit 

them to function effectively and efficiently after rehabilitation is completed. 

Special Programs at Blind Rehabilitation Centers 

Over the years, innovative technology has been developed for persons who are 

blind. Many of these devices are available at the Blind Rehabilitation Centers, 

along with training in their use. Qualified veterans may apply for training in the 

use of these specialized devices. Veterans should note that specific criteria have 

been established for admission to these training programs, and that detailed 

criteria for issuance of the devices has been established. Questions concerning 

eligibility and suitability for training, as well as issuances of devices, should be 

directed to the Chief of the appropriate Blind Rehabilitation Center. 

Special programs for training in the use of innovative technology generally fall 

into the areas of communications, orientation and mobility. Communications 

devices are electronic reading machines for the blind, computers or other similar 

specialized devices. Electronic orientation and mobility devices are designed to 

supplement the usual protective travel devices such as the long cane. As various 

other devices are developed, training in their use may become available. 

Veterans should be aware that training in the use of these devices is complex; 

they require a great deal of hard work and persistence, and may not be suitable 

for every veteran. They should in no way be viewed as a substitute for basic blind 

rehabilitation training, or for the usual devices frequently issued to many 

veterans. They can, and do, serve an important place in the lives of many 

veterans. 

Special programs are usually two to six weeks in length and deal specifically with 

one device. Several hours per day are spent working on that device, so only 

limited involvement with the regular rehabilitation program is possible. Veterans 

participating in the full rehabilitation program are shown the devices as part of 

training and may wish to return for a detailed program at a later date. 

Additional Information Concerning Blind Rehabilitation Centers 
Research and Clinical Evaluation Programs 

Just as the VA has consistently been a leader in development of sensory and 

prosthetic research, VA Blind Rehabilitation Service is actively involved in 

research, development and evaluation of devices. Many devices that were 

involved in research programs in past years are now part of the regular 

rehabilitation programs at the Blind Rehabilitation Centers. As new devices are 

developed that may assist blind persons, the VA will be among the first to 

evaluate and test them. The overall goal of this research is to improve the quality 

of life for all blind persons, both veterans and non-veterans. 

Blind Rehabilitation Center Administration and Staff 

Teaching personnel at each Blind Rehabilitation Center is composed of 

instructors, the majority of whom hold advanced specialized degrees in work with 

the blind from major colleges and universities. The Chiefs of the Blind 

Rehabilitation Centers are experienced professionals in the field of blindness and 

rehabilitation and possess a thorough knowledge of the VA system; they are the 

leaders who coordinate the efforts of many various disciplines in the Blind 

Rehabilitation Centers, thus assuring that each veteran will receive the highest 

caliber of individualized instruction possible. 

Affiliations 

Each of the Blind Rehabilitation Centers is affiliated with leading universities that 

provide students for teaching and internship opportunities in specialized 

disciplines of blind rehabilitation. The medical centers housing the Blind 

Rehabilitation Centers are affiliated with excellent medical schools, thus assuring 

the highest level of medical care for each blinded veteran as well. 

Visual Impairment Services Team 

The Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator is a case manager 

who has major responsibility for the coordination of services for visually impaired 

veterans and their families. Duties include providing and/or arranging for the 
provision of appropriate treatment modalities (e.g., referrals to BRCs, BROS, 

VICTORs, VISOR, and low vision clinics) in order to enhance a blind veteran's 

functioning level. Other duties include identifying new cases of blindness, 

providing professional counseling, problem resolution, meeting specific 

objectives established by the VIST, arranging VIST Reviews, and conducting 

educational programs relating to VIST and blindness. VIST Teams are often 

established at the local medical centers. These Visual Impairment Services 

Teams are comprised of a VIST Coordinator and healthcare and allied 

healthcare professionals charged with the responsibility of ensuring that blind 

veterans are identified, evaluated, and provided health and rehabilitation services 

to maximize adjustment to sight loss. Members may include, but are not limited 

to representatives from Social Work, Ophthalmology, Optometry, Prosthetics, 

Primary Care, Rehabilitation, Library, Nursing, Audiology, Podiatry, Nutrition, 

Psychology, Patient Administration and Financial Services, Veterans Benefits 

Administration, blind veterans consumer organizations, blind consumers and 

state/community agencies for the blind. 

Visual Impairment Services Outpatient Rehabilitation Program (VISOR) 

The VISOR Programs are outpatient, intermediate nine-day rehabilitation 

programs. They provide comfortable, safe, overnight accommodations (hoptel 

setting) for beneficiaries who are visually impaired and requiring temporary 

lodging in order to access services provided through the program. The program 

offers skills training, orientation and mobility, and low vision therapy. It is staffed 

with Blind Rehabilitation Specialist (BROS) and Visual Impairment Service Team 

(VIST) Coordinators, who could be Social Workers and/or Certified Low Vision 

Therapists. Veterans must be able to perform activities of daily living 

independently, including the ability to self-medicate, in order to access these 

accommodations. 

Visual Impairment Centers to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORs) 

In the late 1970s, VHA recognized that there were a growing number of veterans 

who were not yet legally blind that needed rehabilitation services. The Directors 

of Blind Rehabilitation, Social Work, Psychology, and Optometry Services 
developed the Visual Impairment Center to Optimize Remaining Sight 

(VICTORs) program to address this unmet need. The initial VICTORs program 

started in 1979 at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Over the years, VICTORs 

services became available to legally blind and visually impaired veterans who 

had a need for intensive low vision rehabilitation services and/or were unable to 

receive care at a Blind Rehabilitation Center. 

Regional Consultants 

The Regional Consultants serve as advisors to the medical center-based 

programs for the blind. Each consultant has oversight of VA facilities in the 

geographic area served by the Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC) to which they 

are assigned. Their role is to educate, evaluate quality of care, and ensure that 

adequate and appropriate services are being provided to blinded veterans. 

Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) Program 

BROS are multi-skilled professionals who perform a wide array of blind 

rehabilitation services including assessments, visual skills training, living skills 

and orientation and mobility. These services are provided to veterans in the 

most appropriate setting, for example, home, VA, college, nursing home or 

assisted living environments (and in rare instances at the work site). The BROS 

offer pre/post Center training and also teach veterans who may not be able to 

travel to a Blind Rehabilitation Center Program. They also provide training to 

family members. 

Referral Procedures and Application Requirements 

Any VA health care facility may make a referral to a Blind Rehabilitation Center. 

The VIST coordinator or Social Worker assigned to blind rehabilitation program 

at the appropriate VA facility will prepare the application package and assure that 

it is forwarded to the VA medical center housing a Blind Rehabilitation program. 

The application package for blind rehabilitation should include the following: 
1. A fully completed VA Form 10-10, Application for Medical Benefits and the 

related VA Form 10-10M, Medical Certificate and History and 10-1 OF, Financial 

Worksheet when necessary. 

2. A covering letter briefly stating the events leading to the referral. 

3. A current complete physical examination, detailing all conditions that may 

affect progress in rehabilitation, including a detailed statement of physical 

capacities and tolerance, and including pertinent radiology and laboratory 

reports. 

4. A complete ophthalmological report, containing visual acuities, near and far, 

corrected and uncorrected, and measurements of peripheral and central visual 

fields. 

5. A social work report, outlining I the veteran's military, family, educational, 

social, and work history and other relevant information. 

6. An audiological report 

7. VA benefits rating sheet. 

8. Psychiatric and/or psychological report, if considered appropriate and 

necessary. 

The application package will be reviewed by administrative and medical staff at 

the Blind Rehabilitation Center. When a decision on the application is made, the 

veteran and the referring VIST Coordinator or social worker will be informed. 

Travel Information 

Transportation to the Blind Rehabilitation Center and return home is subject to 

the current beneficiary travel regulations which may impose some limitations on 

travel payments. If approved, an escort may accompany the veteran to the Blind 

Rehabilitation Center. Staff of the Blind Rehabilitation Center will determine the 
veteran's need for an escort. The Blind rehabilitation Center will provide 

assistance to the veteran in making travel arrangements in cooperation with the 

veteran's referring station. All tickets and receipts for tolls, parking, travel, etc., 

must be kept and presented to the Travel Clerk at the VA medical center housing 

the Blind Rehabilitation Center for verification and payment. Approval for an 

escort to accompany the veteran must be obtained in advance from the Business 

Office at the VA medical center housing the Blind Rehabilitation Center. 

Conclusion 

The material presented in this Information Bulletin shows that although partial or 

total loss of vision can be overwhelming, the problem is not insurmountable. 

Rehabilitation can be the start of a new life for the individual. It is the beginning, 

the training ground, the base that prepares the blinded veteran to assume or 

continue a meaningful place in the family and in society. It assists the blinded 

veteran to build the strength, skills, and self-confidence to live a normal, happy, 

well-rounded life. 

Blind Rehabilitation Centers 

American Lake 

Blind Rehabilitation Center 

VA Puget Sound Health Care System 

Tacoma, WA 98493-5000 

(253) 582-8440 

Augusta Blind Rehabilitation Center 

VA Medical Center 

1 Freedom Way 

Augusta, Georgia 30904-6285 

(706) 733-0188 

Central Blind Rehabilitation Center 

Edward Hines, Jr. 

VA Medical Center 

5th & Roosevelt Rd. P.O. Box 5000 

Hines, IL 60141 

Phone: (708) 202-8387 

VA Connecticut Healthcare System

West Haven Campus

VA Medical Center 

950 Campbell Avenue 
West Haven, CT 06516 

Phone: (203) 932-5711 

Puerto Rico Blind Rehabilitation Center 

VA Medical Center 

10 Casis Street 

San Juan, PR 00921-3201 

(787) 641-8325 

Southeastern Blind Rehabilitation Center 

VA Medical Center 

700 South 19th Street 

Birmingham, AL 35233 

(205) 933-8101 

Southwestern Blind Rehabilitation Center 

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System 

3601 South 6th Avenue 

Tucson, AZ 85723 

(520) 629-4643 

Waco Blind Rehabilitation Center 

VA Medical Center 

4800 Memorial Drive 

Waco, TX 76711 

(254) 297-3755 

Western Blind Rehabilitation Center 

VA Palo Alto Health Care System 

3801 Miranda Avenue 

Palo Alto, CA 94304-1290 

(650) 493-5000 

West Palm Beach 

VA Medical Center 

7305 N. Military Trail 

West Palm Beach, FL 33410-6400 

Phone: (561) 422-8425 

Department of Veterans Affairs 

Blind Rehabilitation Service 

810 Vermont Ave., N.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20422 

202-273-8483 

VA website Address: http://www.va.gov/blindrehab