Low Vision Programs

Low Vision Resource Center

POB delivers free vision support services and resource navigation to assist individuals with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other eye conditions, to maintain their independence.

Our Resource Navigators provide personal guidance as clients move through their vision journey. Some of these specialists have professional experience in vision and eye care; others may have personally faced vision challenges and wish to help others in similar situations.

You can connect with the Low Vision Resource Center over the phone or in person.

Contact our Information & Resource Hotline to speak directly with a Resource Navigator. He or she can help you make an appointment, direct you to local resources, tell you more about specific visual aid technologies, and answer any questions you may have about your vision journey. Call (301) 951-4444.

Visit the Low Vision Resource Center. Meet with our Resource Navigators in person to receive expert advice, learn about available resources, and try out different visual aid technologies. Visits are by appointment only. Call our Hotline (301) 951-4444 to make an appointment.

4948 St. Elmo Avenue, Suite 209, Bethesda, MD 20814
Get directions

Hours:
Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Appointments: Thursday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. No walk-ins accepted.

Alexandria Office: 105 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Get directions

Alexandria Hours:

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Mondays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. No walk-ins accepted.

Do I need to make an appointment? Is a referral from my doctor needed?

Visits to the Low Vision Resource Center are available by appointment only but do not require a referral from a doctor. You never need an appointment or referral to receive information from our Information and Resource Hotline (301-951-4444).

Can I purchase magnifiers and other devices here?

POB’s Low Vision Resource Center does not sell magnifiers or high-tech gadgets. We do have many of the gadgets and magnifiers here for you to try and learn about. We can connect you with vendors who sell these devices, but encourage you to work with a doctor specializing in low vision (such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist) before making these purchases. This can save you thousands of dollars over time by ensuring you get the technology that will be most effective for you, for the lowest cost.

What about low-tech options like large print, writing guides, and talking products?

The Low Vision Resource Center can help you purchase these low-tech options. You can either buy through us (with a small service charge), or we can direct you to vendor websites where you can purchase these items yourself. These items are available in our Center for you to try first and see how they work for you.

Can I schedule an eye exam or low vision exam at the Low Vision Resource Center?

The Low Vision Resource Center does not provide eye exams. Low vision exams are offered through the Low Vision Rehabilitation program.

For more information, contact:
Low Vision Resource Center
(301) 951-4444

The Janet Morrison Resource & Support Network

For over 30 years, The Janet Morrison Resource & Support Network has fostered support, awareness, and community-building to combat isolation among people with visual impairments, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, Stardgardt’s Disease, and more.

POB can connect you with others who understand your vision journey and can share insights on coping with your vision condition. Network events can be traditional support group sessions, technology demonstrations, educational presentations by doctors, and other informational events.

Where can I find a support group?

POB currently helps run more than ten groups in the Greater Washington region. In addition, we maintain a list of other area groups that may be closer to you. Call our Low Vision Resource Center at (301) 951-4444 to find a group or event for you.

We also publish Your Eyes Today, a monthly large-print newsletter designed for people with vision impairment. It covers topics commonly discussed at Network events, such as vision health and other helpful insights for persons with vision impairment. It also publishes information on upcoming Network events.

Read our current issue of Your Eyes Today or browse our archive of past issues. To sign up to receive print and email versions of the newsletter, send an email to communications@youreyes.org.

For more information, contact:

Low Vision Resource Center
(301) 951-4444

Events

January 25, 2025

Glaucoma Research Update

Learn More

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Vision Rehabilitation

People with visual impairments, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, work with an optometrist specializing in low vision. Together, they create a plan to enhance their ability to live independently, safely, and comfortably.

What is vision rehabilitation, and why might I need it?

Vision rehabilitation helps determine the best tools and techniques to meet your goals. This typically involves eye exams and optical and non-optical visual aids or adaptations. It also includes education and counseling about resources such as state rehabilitation agencies, occupational therapy, support groups, etc.

Vision rehabilitation does not replace any medical management of your eye condition. Most patients who undergo vision rehabilitation typically receive medical treatments for their eye conditions whenever possible.

How is vision rehabilitation different from medical treatment?

Vision rehabilitation is not a substitute for ongoing medical treatment; it is intended to help you adapt to your individualized vision loss. It will not cure or control whatever eye condition or disease that caused your vision loss, so maintaining regular appointments with your ophthalmologist is very important. Your vision rehabilitation specialist and your medical provider will be able to work as a team to help ensure both your eye health and vision function are the best they can be.

An examination with a vision rehabilitation specialist is typically longer than an exam with your managing eye care provider. Examinations are scheduled for at least one hour, and follow-up visits may be necessary. While Medicare and most medical insurances can be billed for the examination itself, not all aspects of the examination will be covered.

Is a referral required for vision rehabilitation?

Referrals are recommended. Any healthcare provider can refer a patient for vision rehabilitation. Patients can also ask their eye care provider if a referral is appropriate. Contact us at (703) 652-7803 for more information or to make an appointment for vision rehabilitation.

Do you accept Medicare or other medical insurance?

While Medicare and most medical insurances can be billed for the examination itself, not all aspects of the examination will be covered. Call us at (703) 652-7803 for more information.

Locations

415 2nd Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

4942 St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814

105 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

For more information or to make an appointment, contact:

(703) 652-7803
info@lowvisionservices.org

Services made possible, in part, through the generosity of the Julius Fleischman Foundation, Virginia Lions Eye Institute Foundation, and District 24-A Lions Club.