Services for Individuals Outside Our Service Area
Serving Our Mission
Vista Center’s mission is to empower people who are blind or visually impaired to live independently, safely, and with dignity. Our programs support individuals who have lost their vision by teaching essential skills to regain independence and maintain a healthy life.
Vista Center is rooted in the belief that vision loss need not be a barrier to independence and a joyful life. Our unique approach addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of each client. Vista Center continues to transform lives through innovative programs, fostering health, independence, and lasting impact.
Our publicly funded grants and contracts are designated to serve individuals who live within our defined service area, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. Because of these funding restrictions, we are unable to offer publicly funded services to individuals who live outside our service area.
We also recognize that vision loss does not stop at geographic boundaries—and that some individuals outside our service area may wish to work with Vista Center because of our expertise and approach.
This page explains the options available to you.
First: Local, Low-Cost Options
If you live outside Vista Center’s service area, we strongly encourage you to explore local vision-rehabilitation agencies in your community. Many nonprofit and public programs offer services at low or no cost through state or county funding.
If you would like help identifying local resources, our staff may be able to point you in the right direction.
211
Info for local county resources and support services. Dialing “211” provides individuals and families in need with a shortcut through what can be a bewildering maze of health and human service agency phone numbers. By simply dialing 211, those in need of assistance can be referred, and sometimes connected to, appropriate agencies and community organizations.
DOR websites
Older Individuals Who are Blind: The Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) Program provides services to visually impaired individuals, age 55 and older, to assist them to live independently in California.
Blind Field Services: Blind Field Services provides specialized and comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services to Californians who are blind or visually impaired.
Additional Free Services
Additionally Vista Center offers these select services for free to all:
Private Pay Services at Vista Center
For individuals who live outside our service area and still wish to receive services from Vista Center, we offer a private pay model for select services.
What Services Are Available?
- In-branch services at Vista Center locations
- Virtual services
- Group programs and classes
In-home services are NOT available to individuals outside our service area.
Fees & Payments
Client Fees
Individuals outside our service area may participate in the below programs for a client fee. All individuals get a free initial consultation for an introduction to Vista Center services and evaluation goals and needs.
Once payment is received, our team will follow up to confirm scheduling and next steps.
Private Pay Rates
Individual Services
- $50 per hour Pay Now
Life Enrichment Group Programs
- $30 for a single session Pay Now
- $125 for a 5-session bundle Pay Now
- $200 for a 10-session bundle Pay Now
Bundles can be used across any Life Enrichment program. Cannot be used for individual services. All bundles expire within one year of purchase
Support Groups
- $30 for a single session Pay Now
- $125 for a 5-session bundle Pay Now
- $200 for a 10-session bundle Pay Now
All bundles expire within one year of purchase. Cannot be used for individual services.
Important Payment Information
Payment Policy
- All client fees must be paid in advance
- No cash payments are accepted
- Payments are collected through our secure online system
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by voice message or email to the social worker or service provider. No shows or late cancellations are non-refundable.
Refund Policy
All sessions are charged by the hour. Partial refunds, including half-hour cancellations, are not available. No refunds are given for missed classes, late cancellations, late shows, or no shows.
Rescheduling Policy
Rescheduling and cancellations are permitted with at least 24 hours’ notice by voice message or email to the social worker or service provider. Requests made with less than 24 hours’ notice, or no-shows, cannot be rescheduled.
Our Staff & Professional Standards
All services are provided by trained Vista Center staff who adhere to our organizational values and professional standards. While private pay services are fee-based, our commitment to dignity, respect, and person-centered support remains the same for every individual we serve.
Code of Conduct
All participants in Vista Center services—whether publicly funded or private pay—are expected to follow our Code of Conduct, which helps ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for clients and staff. Vista Center reserves the right to decline or discontinue services if conduct expectations are not met.