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NYC Coalition on Aging & Vision

General Information

NYC Coalition on Aging & Vision
2 Lafayette Street
11th floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 602 4465
https://nyconnects.ny.gov/services/new-york-city-coalition-on-aging-vision-sofanypp2152

Brief Description

Since 2007, the NYC Vision Coalition on Aging & Vision (Vision Coalition) has been working to improve and increase access to vision-related services for adults 55 and older. In an effort to serve a larger number of elders and extend their reach; the Vision Coalition has brought together the leading vision agencies. Vision Coalition counts on the participation of the Catholic Guild for the Blind, Helen Keller Services for the Blind, Lighthouse Guild, SUNY College of Optometry- University Eye Center, VISIONS- Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Aging in NY Fund as its lead agency.

The Vision Coalition has helped identified and/or served well over 3,000 elders in need of vision services. With the creation of the group’s Unified Referral Form; elders, caregivers, and providers are able obtain care that is tailored to his or her individual need.
Staff helps connect elders to the multitude of services available through Vision Coalition members. Primary services include vision rehabilitation services, orientation and mobility instruction, low-vision examinations and devices, support groups, and vocational training. Services are available to elders regardless of insurance or income status.
The group recently launched its very own website that can be found at www.nycvisioncoalition.org. The site provides important information on age-related vision loss, vision rehabilitation, and local resources. It also showcases member agencies and current activities. Users are also able to submit electronic referrals for vision rehabilitation services and other vision related services.
Other exciting programs at the Vision Coalition include the Interpreter Program. The program helps train interpreters to work with visually impaired adults and serve as a link between limited English speaking clients and vision specialists.

The Vision Coalition is working to make sure NYC elders are aware of age-related vision loss and the resources available to those living with vision impairment. Workshops are conducted on a monthly basis targeting elders, health care professionals, and community gatekeepers. A
If you or some you know is 55 years of age and older, residing in NYC, and who is experiencing difficulty due to their vision, please contact the Vision Coalition.

For more information about the Vision Coalition visit us at www.nycvisioncoalition.org or contact Adriana Valencia at 212.602.4465.

Services Offered

  • Low Vision Services
    • Low vision specialists perform functional vision examinations using specialized testing procedures to maximize your vision.

  • Support Groups
    • Our dedicated agencies are able to provide supportive individual counseling and support groups to help elders with low vision not feel alone and help them through this new stage of their life.

  • Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training
    • Our trained therapists are able to provide and teach elders the skills they need to live independently.

  • Employment/Job Training
    • Are you interested in going back to work, but worry how vision loss may affect you? Our trained professionals work to provide you with the necessary skills to get you back to work.

  • Recreation Services
    • Coalition members offer activities ranging from arts & crafts, exercise, music, and bowling. Activities are offered at various sites.

  • Travel/Orientation and Mobility
    • Specialists work with elders to teach them the skills they need to travel independently using a long white cane.

  • Professional Training
    • The Vision Coalition is working to promote clear and consistent messaging for professionals about vision loss detection, services, and the supports offered by the Vision Coalition. Professionals who take part in the free training will significantly increase their awareness of 1) the growing challenge of age-related eye diseases, 2) screenings to detect vision problems, 3) prevention, treatment, and vision rehabilitation options, and 4) linkages to access exams, low vision specialists, and rehabilitation services in New York City.

  • Community Outreach Programs
    • Trained staff is available to conduct vision awareness workshops throughout NYC. Workshops seek to educate elders about age-related vision loss, vision rehabilitation, and available resources in the NYC area. Workshops run for about 45 minutes and are available in English, Spanish and Russian.