How to vision rehab: it’s a mindset

Living well with vision loss is a growth process. There are many ways to achieve success.

I value the holistic approach: mind, body, and spirit. When you bring your mind, body, and spirit to all you do it only makes sense to support all three.

Some people begin with the mental approach in counseling. Some people begin with a physical approach learning white cane navigation with a Certified Orientation & Mobility instructor. Other people begin with prayer and meditation applying a spiritual approach.

Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life asserts it’s okay to begin in any of these areas as long as you eventually do include them all.

Vision rehabilitation supports people rebuilding their lives after vision loss— learning new ways of getting stuff done. We view knowledge as an activity. Not a thing.

People who have enjoyed success in life moving fast, pushing hard, or putting their feelings aside may resist certain aspects of vision rehabilitation. Slowing down. Noticing. Careful planning. Graceful recovery from setbacks. Adapting to unfamiliar technology with patience. Persistence.

Inconvenient as it may be, it’s necessary to schedule time for learning activities that help you adopt new non-visual techniques for living.

No one shows up to vision rehabilitation with all the answers. Learning curve mistakes—missed steps, bumps and bruises caused by rushing or awkward social interactions—are a normal part of the transition. Everyone will respond differently to the emotional, physical, and spiritual demands created by a major life transition.

Talking through common challenges demonstrates no one is alone on this journey. Discovering mindful self-compassion helps when life is hard. Hearing mistakes aren’t failures; they’re steppingstones toward success supports growth. Learning what matters most is how you respond: asking for help, reflecting on what went wrong, adjusting the approach, and trying again develops resilience.

Embracing a growth mindset ignites the journey of vision rehabilitation, empowering individuals with vision loss to grow into confident, global citizens who are minimally reliant on others in their day-to-day activities.