Becoming Aware of Veterans' Vision Needs

"In this war, blast injuries have become the signature injuries. These can
cause damage to the eye. They can also cause damage to the visual system and
the visual processing centers of the brain... many soldiers don't even realize
something's wrong with them."

Gregory Goodrich, Ph.D., Veterans' Administration Research Psychologist, on
specific injuries of the IRAQ war

MOHEGAN LAKE, N.Y., May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The journey home is a
bittersweet time for all war veterans, yet soldiers with vision loss face an
additional set of unique challenges. Combat-related injuries take an immediate
toll on many returning veterans, but are not the only source of vision loss.
Long after active service is over, many older veterans may experience
cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. In addition, systemic diseases
like diabetes and hypertension can play a large part in compromising the
quality and clarity of vision.

VisionAWARE.org, a FREE not-for-profit online resource center, can help
veterans who are blind or have low vision and their families continue to lead
satisfying, enriched lives by providing helpful resources and practical,
everyday hints and adaptations. 24/7, the site offers information about a
wide range of vision rehabilitation services; many of which are also designed
to help veterans cope with the emotional aspects of vision loss. Details are
provided on how to re-adapt life skills, train for a new job, and utilize
adaptive computer, low vision, and daily living devices.

If you, or someone you know, are one of the many veterans struggling with
vision loss, you're certainly not alone. Log on to VisionAWARE.org for
detailed information on:

-- Direct links to the sites of the U.S. Department of Veterans'
Affairs, Blinded Veterans Association, Disabled American Veterans, and
National Association of Blind Veterans.
-- Scheduling a low vision examination to determine whether special low
vision optical devices, better lighting, or other types of training
can
help you use your functional vision more effectively.
-- Vision rehabilitation services, such as Orientation and Mobility and
Vision Rehabilitation Therapy that can restore everyday functioning
after vision loss, just as physical therapy restores function after a
stroke or other injury.
-- Self-help vision loss support groups and self-study options that can
help veterans and their families cope with the emotional impact of
vision loss.
-- Employment resources and information, legal rights, workplace
assistive
technology, and employment support groups.
-- The VisionAWARE Bookstore, which contains descriptions of, and links
to,
publications specific to blindness and low vision, including
biographies
and autobiographies of people who have successfully coped with vision
loss.

-- The VisionAWARE "My Story" series, which provides real-life
interviews with men and women who are blind or have low vision.

VisionAWARE.org, a program of AWARE, is a not-for-profit organization funded
by the Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation. For more information,
go to VisionAWARE.org or call 914-528-5120.

SOURCE VisionAWARE.org

Caryl Hahn, +1-914-671-6996, for VisionAWARE.org