Elders are the fastest growing and most vulnerable group of persons with sight loss; four of the five major causes of blindness are directly related to the aging process.

Many elders diagnosed with uncorrectable vision loss feel despair and frustration, because they do not know that services are available to help them continue to live with dignity and independence.

The Visually Impaired Elders Program offers in-home rehabilitation assistance to seniors age 60 or above who are not legally blind (legally blind individuals should contact the MA Commission for the Blind for rehabilitation services).

The Elders Program is available in many communities in Massachusetts and is staffed by Occupational Therapists and Rehabilitation Specialists. Services include:

• Functional vision assessment
• Provision of information and resources about age-related vision loss
• Introduction to helpful visual & non-optical aids and training in their use
• Training in adaptive visual & non-visual techniques to promote independence, personal safety and self-sufficiency
• Modification of appliances and home environment (raised/bold markings, hazard tape on stairs, etc.)
• Advice about lighting and glare
• Reading and writing aids/alternatives
• Recreational resources
• Organization & record keeping aids
• Other sources of adaptive aids and equipment
• Referral to other community agencies and programs

Fee-based or Medicare/Medicaid- reimbursable in-home rehabilitation services are available for individuals under the age of sixty. Please contact us.

Adaptive Product Information Center: Demonstrations of products fo consumers of all ages are available by appointment in our offices. Demonstration centers are open by appointment only. Products on display include:

• talking and low vision clocks and watches
• magnifiers
• large print playing cards and other games
• reading aids and writing guides
• video magnifiers or CCTVs
• health and medical devices, such as equipment for individuals with diabetes and vision loss
• banking aids
• cassette recorders
• personal items
• sunglasses
• telephones with large buttons

Please note, we do not sell any merchandise.

MAB also partners with low vision clinics and community health institutions to provide center-based low vision rehabilitation and follow up home visits. Our Low Vision Clinic in Western MA operates two Wednesdays a month, in collaboration with the New England Eye Institute. An Optometrist conducts functional vision assessments and prescribes optical devices.  An Occupational Therapist provides adaptive training at the clinic and during follow-up home visits.

A Magnifier Clinic in the Central MA office offers personalized instruction about magnifiers and lighting (by appointment).

The Right to Sight Project is a collaboration with the New England Eye Institute that brings clinical eye care, case management, and low vision support services to residents of senior housing. It is currently a pilot project being offered in Cambridge, MA.

Our Service Model:

·    Support aging in place while assuring continued participation in community life

·       Assist older adults and their caregivers to maintain optimal independent living as well as to support independence among seniors who lack a support network

·        Create a flexible delivery system to serve individuals with an extensive range of health care needs

·        Linkages with eye care professionals and other health care providers