VisionLink Debuts Low Vision Resource Center, Expands Services to Address Accessibility, Especially for Aging Philadelphians
A new report has found that there are 53,351 adults in Philadelphia, age 18 or older, living with a vision difficulty; that’s an average 4.3% of adults in Philadelphia, compared to the national rate of 2.8%. The report, “Adults with Vision Loss in Philadelphia,” defines vision difficulty as being blind or having serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses. Commissioned by VisionLink, the region’s leading provider of education and services for adults living with vision difficulty, the study was conducted by the Research and Evaluation Group at Public Health Management (PHMC) and underwritten by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.
“We wanted to understand the prevalence of vision difficulties in Philadelphia, and we wanted to know where in the city that prevalence is concentrated,” said Karla McCaney, president and CEO of VisionLink. “The research found a strong correlation between vision impairment, poverty levels, and overlapping health, social, and functional needs. That data can inform how city agencies, nonprofit organizations, and care providers can work together to focus accessible services and solutions and help people maintain their independence,” she said.
According to study findings:
- Women are disproportionately affected by vision difficulties; the study found 58.7% of the population reporting vision loss are women.
- Nearly half – 45.5% — are Black/African American.
- More than a third – 36.9% — are aged 65 or older.
- 53.2% receive food stamps or SNAP benefits.
- Nearly half – 46.8% — have an independent living difficulty.
- More than a quarter – 27.5% — live alone.
The study also found higher concentrations of adults with vision loss in clusters of neighborhoods in North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and Southwest Philadelphia.
“For many, vision loss accompanies the onset of diseases like glaucoma or diabetes, and aging eyes can also experience vision difficulties,” said Karla McCaney, president and CEO of VisionLink. “Regardless of the cause, diminishing eyesight affects everyday life universally. People question if they can care for themselves and their families. They worry if they can still work or continue to live in their own home, and what we know at VisionLink is that there is an entire body of resources, skills, and techniques that can help people live as independently as they wish,” she said.
Earlier this year, VisionLink opened a Low Vision Resource Center within its new facility in Center City that focuses on personalized instruction and skill building for clients. The Low Vision Resource Center is a hub for vision rehabilitation therapy and hands-on demonstrations of assistive tools and technology, such as screen readers, magnifiers, smart speaker, and liquid levelers, among others.
“With one-on-one instruction, group workshops, and online classes, we help clients learn to navigate home and community safely by teaching skills to prevent falls, cook safely, handle money, manage medications, read Braille, use a white cane, and leverage smart phone apps to help with everyday tasks,” McCaney said.
In addition to direct services, McCaney said VisionLink makes informed referrals to other agencies and organizations for wraparound resources and services for clients, partners with community-based organizations and agencies for additional programming and in-community instruction, and conducts outreach to all types of entities to help enhance the accessibility of the city and region. “We’ve focused especially on Philadelphia’s healthcare, senior living, social work, and home health aide professionals, educating providers on the resources that are available for their patients,” she said.
“The risk of age-related eye diseases increase for people over 65, which means vision difficulties increase for this population, too,” said Dr. Ranjoo Prasad, OD, a low-vision optometrist and VisionLink board member. “I refer my patients to VisionLink where they learn the rehabilitative skills they need to regain their confidence completing everyday tasks like reading, cooking, and managing their home. Regaining those abilities increases their independence and improves quality of life, and that can mean everything,” she said.
To learn more about the growing population of adults with vision loss in Philadelphia, read “Adults with Vision Loss in Philadelphia” here.
About VisionLink
VisionLink is the largest provider of services to those experiencing vision loss in Greater Philadelphia. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to assisting all who are living with vision loss to achieve greater independence through excellence in education and wrap-around support services that advance necessary skills and establish meaningful community connections. VisionLink is committed to collaborating with local, regional and national partners to broaden access to resources and opportunities that enable those with vision loss to live their lives to the fullest. For more information, visit www.VisionLinkPHL.org.