FAQs for individuals and families
Have questions about the referral process or the services we offer? We have answers! If you're not able to find the answer to your question below, feel free to email us at info@vlrehab.ca.
About Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada
- What does Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada do?
- What is vision loss rehabilitation therapy?
- How do I know if I need vision loss rehabilitation therapy?
- Are you affiliated with CNIB?
Accessing our services
- What services do you offer?
- Where in Canada are your services available?
- Who can receive services from you?
- Do I have to be completely blind to access your services?
- Do you provide services to children?
- How can I get started? Do I need a referral?
- What happens after I've been referred?
Your rehabilitation services
- What can I expect from my rehabilitation plan?
- Who will I be working with, and what are their qualifications?
- How many appointments will I have, and where will they take place?
- Do I need to pay for these services?
- What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
- What if I miss an appointment?
About Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada
What does Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada do?
Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is the country's leading provider of vision loss rehabilitation services. We serve people of all ages and types of vision loss – from low vision to total blindness – on referral from health care professionals, as well as community organizations, family members, and patients themselves. Our certified specialists provide our clients with a range of services to help them build their mobility, independence and confidence.
What is vision loss rehabilitation therapy?
Vision loss rehabilitation therapy is a specialized health care service that teaches people the practical skills they need to enhance their independence, safety and mobility after a loss of sight. Vision loss rehabilitation therapy is provided by certified specialists who will work with you to create a personalized rehabilitation plan to meet your needs and goals. You can find out more about the services we offer by visiting our Programs and Services page.
How do I know if I need vision loss rehabilitation therapy?
If your vision loss is affecting your independence, safety and mobility, it may be time to start a vision loss rehabilitation therapy plan. Your health care professional understands your vision loss and can help you decide whether, and when, rehabilitation therapy might be right for you.
Are you affiliated with CNIB?
Yes, CNIB is one of our affiliate organizations. Although we are a distinct and separate organization, we are proud to partner with the CNIB team to improve the lives of people who are blind or partially sighted across Canada.
Accessing our services
What services do you offer?
Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada offers a wide variety of programs and services for people of all ages and all types of vision loss. Our services are designed to help people regain their independence, safety and mobility following a loss of sight. Click here to learn more about our services.
Where in Canada are your services available?
We serve people across Canada, including in rural and remote locations. Depending on your location, as well as your needs, our services may be delivered in your home or community, your workplace, over the phone, online or at one of our clinic locations.
Who can receive services from you?
Anyone in Canada can receive services from us as long as they're living with blindness or vision loss that is impacting their life. We serve people of all ages, with all degrees of vision loss, right across Canada.
Do I have to be completely blind to access your services?
No, you don't have to be completely blind to access our services. In fact, the majority of our clients have some degree of remaining vision.
Do you provide services to children?
Yes, we provide a number of early intervention services to both children and their families. You can learn more about our early intervention services by visiting our Specialized Services.
How can I get started? Do I need a referral?
Most of our clients come to us through a referral from their health care practitioner, like their optometrist, ophthalmologist or family doctor. But you are also welcome to reach out to us directly to refer yourself or someone you love. Please call us at 1-844-887-8572.
What happens after I've been referred?
Once you or your health care practitioner sends us a referral form, one of our friendly and experienced client navigators will contact you with you within 10 days on average, and less if we believe you're in a crisis situation. The client navigator will talk to you about your needs and goals, and will work with you to develop your personalized rehabilitation plan.
Your rehabilitation services
What can I expect from my rehabilitation plan?
We help people develop or restore key daily living skills that enhance their independence, safety and mobility after a loss of vision. To help you do this, our certified specialists will work with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan to achieve your goals. This plan could include a range of different services, depending on your needs and goals. You'll be seen by one or more certified rehabilitation specialists who will regularly work with you. In addition to working with our specialists, you'll be asked to practice the skills you learn on your own in order to master them.
Who will I be working with, and what are their qualifications?
Our specialists are experts in the field of vision loss rehabilitation therapy, and hold certifications from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP). ACVREP-certified specialists provide a level of quality care that's unmatched in the field.
How many appointments will I have, and where will they take place?
The number of appointments you have will depend on your personalized rehabilitation plan, and how much you feel you need to learn. Your appointments may take place in your home or community, your workplace, over the phone, online or at the VLRC location nearest you.
Do I need to pay for these services?
No, you do not need to pay for these services. The services offered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada are funded by provincial governments across Canada at no expense to you.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
Contact your client navigator or our toll-free number (1-844-887-8572) as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. We ask for at least 24 hours of notice if you need to cancel or change your appointment.
What if I miss an appointment?
It's important to let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or change your appointment. If you're not able to do so, we will try to reschedule your appointment if there is availability.