An official State of Texas website.
Changes in vision can happen as part of aging, but significant declines may be a sign of a serious health condition, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration or glaucoma.
There are a variety of programs and resources that can help maintain eye health and help older adults remain independent. There are also resources that provide support for family caregivers and assist with accessing food and other necessities, home health and attendant care, and more.
The Blindness Education, Screening and Treatment program at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission helps Texans without vision insurance access prevention resources and medically urgent treatment for eye conditions.
The Older Individuals who are Blind program at the Texas Workforce Commission helps people age 55 and older experiencing vision loss or blindness learn new skills and provides support services and assistive technology devices.
The Talking Book Program at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides a free library service with access to thousands of books and other materials in digital audio, braille and large print.
Local area agencies on aging (AAAs) across the state can help with benefits counseling and assistance, care coordination, caregiver support services, nutrition assistance and in-home support services.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers often co-located with AAAs, can provide information and referral assistance to other resources in the community.
For Older Adults and Their Caregivers
This resource provides a list of national, state and local programs that provide services and resources to older adults and family caregivers.
Resources for Older Adults with Vision Loss and their Family Caregivers (PDF in English)
Resources for Older Adults with Vision Loss and their Family Caregivers (PDF in Spanish)
For Professionals
These resources provide educational and training opportunities and best practices for professionals working with older adults with vision loss. To learn how to make accessible documents for people who are blind or visually impaired, view this accessibility toolkit from the National Center on Deaf-Blindness.
Working with Older Adults with Vision Loss (PDF in English)
Working with Older Adults with Vision Loss (PDF in Spanish)
Resources for Professional Working with Older Adults with Vision Loss (PDF in English)
Resources for Professionals Working with Older Adults with Vision Loss (PDF in Spanish)
For questions, email VLOA@hhs.texas.gov.