Vista Center Celebrates Opening of New San Jose Low Vision Clinic

New Center Brings Critical Low Vision Exams and Services to the South Bay

San Jose, CA – March 4, 2021 – Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired – a leading nonprofit in evaluation, counseling, education and training services for blind and visually impaired community members – celebrates the opening of its latest Low Vision Clinic. The new clinic, located at Vista Center’s San Jose location, joins the Palo Alto and Santa Cruz clinics to provide greater access to much-needed services for Bay Area residents living with low vision.

Vista Center celebrated the opening on March 11, 2021, from 5:30-6:15 p.m. with a virtual event featuring a tour of the Low Vision Clinic and a conversation with Dr. Selma Chin, Vista Center’s Chief Low Vision Specialist, as well as messages from community leaders. View the video here.

Demand for low vision services in the Bay Area has been increasing for several years and it has been challenging to meet the need. Since it can be difficult for people with vision impairment to travel to appointments, Vista Center was committed to opening a clinic in San Jose to increase access in the South Bay. Karae Lisle, Executive Director of Vista Center, said, “We’ve been eager to provide these life-changing exams and resources to our visually-impaired community members in the greater San Jose area. We are thrilled to expand our reach and make it easier for people with vision loss to get the help they need. Without a doubt, these services improve the confidence, independence, and quality of life for our clients.”

Vista Center Board Chair John Glass stated, “Vista Center’s San Jose Low Vision Clinic would not have been possible without the support of many generous donors. Santa Clara County provided funds for state-of-the-art equipment for the Clinic. In addition, the Vista Center Foundation provided monetary resources to help bring this critical service to life. We simply could not have done it without them.”

Vista Center’s Low Vision Clinics provide comprehensive low vision care to meet the needs of people with impaired vision. Each clinic is staffed by low vision optometrists who assess clients’ eyesight and determine which low vision aids are best suited to live a quality life, with their remaining vision. By opening a clinic devoted to low vision, Vista Center is able to carry the most current and expansive low vision devices that are not always available in a private care setting. With the opening of the San Jose Low Vision Clinic, Vista Center will be able to serve more patients and reduce wait times for appointments, especially important for patients who are eager to maintain their independence.

In addition to low vision exams, Vista’s San Jose office offers an expanded range of vision loss rehabilitation services such as Adapted Daily Living Skills, Orientation & Mobility, Assistive Technology, Support Groups, Counseling, Youth & Family Services and Shared Paths Adult Recreation.

About Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired 
For over 80 years, Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired has empowered individuals who are blind or visually impaired to embrace life to the fullest through evaluation, counseling, education and training. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Vista Center is able to offer life-changing services and programs due to the generous support of the community – including financial contributions from grantors, foundations, and individuals; in-kind donations; and volunteerism.

More information about Vista Center’s services and programs can be found at www.vistacenter.org