Episode 5

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Published on:

9th Feb 2026

Episode 5: What Organizations Help People with Vision Loss?

Organizations Helping People with Vision Loss

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) for advocacy, support, and resources

AFB mission: Expand pathways to leadership, education, technology, and career opportunities to create a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.

Website: https://afb.org/

Phone: 212-502-7600

Email: connectcenter@aph.org

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Baltimore, MD

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is an organization of blind people in the United States.

NFB Mission: The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more.

Website: https://nfb.org/

Phone: 410-659-9314

Email: nfb@nfb.org

Foundation for Fighting Blindness

Mission: Drive research toward preventions, treatments, and cures for blinding diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, and more.

Research Studies

Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School

Insitut de la Vision in Paris, France

Moorfields Eye Hospital, University College London

Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania

Website: https://www.fightingblindness.org/

Email: info@FightBlindness.org

Phone: (800) 683-5555

Connect On LinkedIn:

  1. Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life

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About the Podcast

Living with Vision Loss
Helping people with low vision live more independently
I'm Dawn Ciccarone, a certified low vision therapist and occupational therapist, and I created Living with Vision Loss to share something that changed my life: hope.
For over 20 years, I've worked with patients who come to me after hearing nothing but "your vision won't get better." They've been struggling—some for 5 years, some for 20—not knowing that low vision therapy exists or that there are tools, apps, and techniques that can help them read again, regain independence, and live fuller lives.
What is low vision? It's vision that can't be corrected by glasses, surgery, or medication due to conditions affecting the retina—macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and many others. But here's what most people don't know: you can learn to function with the vision you have.
On this channel, I answer the questions my patients ask me every day:

How do I read a book if I'm blind or have low vision?
What devices and apps can help me?
How do I adapt my environment?
What professionals can help me?
How do I maintain independence?

Whether you're a person with vision loss, a family member or caregiver, or a healthcare professional looking to learn more about low vision rehabilitation, this channel is for you. I break down complex topics into practical, actionable information—because no one should struggle in isolation when help is available.
My credentials include certification as a Low Vision Therapist and years of experience as an occupational therapist specializing in vision rehabilitation. I teach at an optometry school, lead technology support groups, and work with patients of all ages—from young people with genetic conditions to older adults with age-related vision loss.
Let's learn how to live with vision loss together.