Services for the Sight Impaired
People living with blindness or visual impairments may be challenged by simple tasks of daily living and obstacles to navigating the world outside of their homes.
And yet these challenges are readily overcome, with the appropriate partnership and support for achieving goals. WCBA is here to empower their independence and quality of life.
Specialized Services
Who We Serve
Blind and visually impaired residents of Westmoreland or Indiana counties who are at least 18 years of age and who meet financial and vision requirements. There is no charge to those who qualify. Persons receiving Medicaid are automatically eligible.
Specialized Services are offered in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind.
What We Offer
Specialized Services is all about supporting greater independence and quality of life for those who are blind or living with sight impairments. Our staff helps program clients to accomplish daily living activities, with services provided on an as-needed basis. If a client is interested in working, paid employment is available in WCBA’s Production Center for those with capacity to perform the associated tasks.
Here’s a sampling of services provided through this program:
- Transportation to appointments
- Reading and reviewing mail
- Filling out paperwork and applications
- Shopping for and with the individual
Many clients say program services are essential to feeling secure and maintaining a good quality of life, especially for those without family nearby or good access to public transportation.
Low Vision Clinic
Who We Serve
Individuals whose vision loss is not correctable with the aid of glasses, contact lenses, surgery or medication. Many have been diagnosed with macular degeneration. Referrals are typically made by eye specialists, but individuals can call to request an appointment.
What We Offer
The Low Vision Clinic is open Monday mornings by appointment only. Most patients are seeking help in being able to continue important activities of daily living, such as reading newspapers and mail and to take care of their finances. Evaluations are provided by Dr. Chris Cakanac, OD, FAAO, who has partnered with WCBA for more than 25 years. The exam is billed to the patient’s insurance; the patient is responsible for any co-pay. Magnification devices are an out-of-pocket expense.
If magnification devices are recommended, WCBA keeps a variety in stock and offers them to clinic patients on loan for seven days. Patients can then purchase devices they have tried and found useful. Referrals to a partner agency are made if cost is a factor. Clinic staff can also recommend other resources, such as programs for audio.
The goal is always doing whatever can be done to help patients achieve their goals for daily living, despite the challenges of low vision.
What Others Are Saying About the WCBA
