The Older Visually Impaired Person: A Vital Link in the Family and the Community

Abstract

Various aspects of vision loss for older persons are discussed in terms of family relationships and community involvement. The article examines problems inherent in the existing system of services to older blind persons, and results of a research questionnaire study that provides insight into the experience of vision loss in the later years are presented. Experimental methods of service delivery and public education described in the article have been administered in Nebraska and have been highly beneficial in enabling older blind persons to continue as active participants in their families and communities.