Important
Update: In-Person Appointments and Services
Vision Loss Rehabilitation New Brunswick has
resumed all in-person services. Offices are open by appointment only. Our
specialists and clients are required to practice safe physical distancing, hand
hygiene, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment as per provincial
health guidelines.
We welcome new referrals and are committed to
supporting individuals with sight loss through pre-booked in-office
appointments, virtual (online, phone), and in-home/in-community visits.
What to expect for your upcoming appointment.
Before your appointment
Before your scheduled appointment, you will
receive a confirmation call on the morning of your visit. During this call, you
will be asked to verbally complete our Client Screen Assessment to determine
whether it is safe to proceed with your appointment at that time.
Before and after an office visit, our staff will
disinfect all surfaces and equipment. Please ensure you are performing safe
hygiene and respiratory practices when coming to our offices or meeting a
specialist in your home or community. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly
before and after the visit, avoid touching your face, and cough or sneeze into
your sleeve.
During your in-office appointment
When you arrive for your appointment, a staff
member will meet you at the door to the office, or at the designated meeting
location. All staff will be required to wear surgical masks and personal
protective equipment during the appointment.
You will then be asked to complete hand hygiene
upon entering the facility or meeting area and provided a surgical mask if you
do not have one. You must wear this mask throughout the duration of the visit.
If you are accompanied by a support person, they must also complete hand
hygiene and wear a mask before entering the facility/meeting area.
If you require your support person to be involved
in the assessment, they will be permitted to remain within the assessment area.
Otherwise, they will be asked to move to a location that meets physical
distancing requirements.
During an in-home visit
When a staff member arrives at your home, they
will be wearing personal protective equipment. You will be asked to wear a mask
and will be provided with one if needed.
Any other people at home who are not taking part in the visit will be
asked to maintain a distance of six feet. Anyone joining you for the visit will
be asked to wear a mask as well.
Staff members will complete hand hygiene and
disinfect equipment before entering your home and immediately after leaving.
Learn more about the steps we’re taking to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff.
Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada has been actively monitoring the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and are following all public health directives, including recommendations from the World Health Organization, Government of Canada, and federal and provincial health authorities.
As the situation is dynamic, we will continue to act based on the most up-to-date advice from Canadian public health authorities. As we navigate through these uncertain times, Vision Loss Rehabilitation is committed to continuing to provide the highest standards of care to our clients.
Essential Emergency Services
In addition to our current services, Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada has established an essential emergency service, which provides urgent response to people with vision loss that meets the following criteria:
- Have sudden and significant vision loss within the last two weeks
- Are currently being discharged from the hospital
- Are isolated or unsupported at home
- Are at high risk of hospital admission or re-admission due to falls, injury or medication errors
To learn whether you or someone you know is eligible to receive our essential emergency services, please contact us at 1-844-887-8572.
Virtual Care Services
Receive care from comfort and safety of your home
Using video or teleconferencing services, you can easily connect one-on-one with a certified Vision Loss Rehabilitation specialist from the comfort of your own home.
Specialists are able perform remote assessments, and/or review your current rehabilitation progress. This may include offering key strategies to ensure you are safe and comfortable at home, or to provide support and resources to help you maintain your independence and emotional wellbeing during these uncertain times.
To get started:
- Schedule a time that's convenient for you
- Connect using your telephone, laptop, tablet or smartphone (Android or iPhone)
- Access your one-to-one rehabilitation treatment session
Contact us to learn more or to book your appointment.
Self Assessment
If you have not previously been referred by your ophthalmologist, you may complete the self assessment prior to receiving rehabilitation services.
- Do you have any difficulty with your vision?
- Does vision loss make it challenging to do things on a day-to-day basis? (i.e. reading the newspaper, preparing meals, looking after a home, personal care, navigating stairs/curbs, travelling safely, care of others, getting job ready etc.)
If you have answered yes to any of these questions you may be eligible for our services.
Please contact us at 1-844-887-8572.
COVID-19 Resources
It is essential that during these unprecedented times, we all keep as informed as possible by relying on directives and resources from our local public health authorities.
We encourage all VLRC clients and staff to regularly refer to these resources to ensure that they have the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of Canada
Access the
Government of Canada's COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool
Social Distancing with Vision Loss
In order to ensure your health and safety, and the health of safety of everyone in your community, everyone must follow Government guidelines on social distancing to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
If possible, avoid leaving your home and make use of local and national resources to support you in your home.
Keeping your distance
If you are unable to measure whether you are maintaining a two-metre distance, you may want to utilize the following:
- Regularly let others know of your location, and advise them that you are unaware of theirs
- Use your cane when out and about so others are aware that you have sight loss
- Ensure to carefully wash/sanitise your hands, along with any clothing you are wearing or items you bring with you before leaving your home and as soon as you return to keep the risk of spreading the virus to a minimum
- Avoid touching your face or touching anyone in your household unless you have recently washed your hands thoroughly
More COVID-19 resources
At a Glance: COVID-19 Resources and Tips
Fall Prevention
Fighting Blindness Canada
Everyday living with vision loss