VIA Visually Impaired Advancement, the most comprehensive provider of services and employment for the blind and visually impaired community in Western New York, has been enhancing the lives of people of all ages who are blind and visually impaired through empowerment and advocacy, since 1907.
VIA's Low Vision Clinic
With 3 convenient locations, VIA's Low Vision Clinic strives to maximize patients' visual potential through comprehensive eye exams and recommendations for low vision glasses, visual aids, and devices to enhance their quality of life, helping those experiencing changes in their vision to live independently and confidently with vision loss.
Vision Rehabilitation Services
VIA provides hands-on support to help clients who have been diagnosed with legal blindness to maximize their independence at home, in the community, and in the workplace.
- Vision Rehab Therapists work one-on-one with clients to develop goals and a working plan that’s customized to the client's individual goals that really focuses on daily living skills.
- Orientation & Mobility Instructors help clients learn how to travel with a greater level of confidence and safety.
- Social and Recreational Opportunities: Staff-supported, structured activities allow clients to learn how to address and overcome barriers and develop their own support networks with each other.
- Social Workers help to address the social, emotional, psychological, and physical needs that our clients may have during the adjustment to vision loss process.
- Workforce Development: VIA's Employment Specialists prepare individuals with visual impairments for success, whether they are entering the workforce for the first time or re-entering following vision loss.
Social Enterprise Model
VIA is proud to be the largest employer of the blind and visually impaired community in Western New York. We partner across the private and public sectors to provide creative, competitive business solutions in two areas: our full-service 24/7 Contact Center and our Manufacturing and Fulfillment Division.
VIA's manufacturing team, composed of a workforce that is over 75% blind or visually impaired, provides services such as assembly, kitting, sewing, packing and fulfillment.
