 What is VIST?
The San Francisco VA Medical Center's Visual Impairment Services Team Program (VIST) assists Veterans whose vision loss impacts their activities of daily living, and helps the Veterans and their families cope with the functional and emotional issues associated with vision loss. The program objectives are: to identify and inform eligible Veterans about services and benefits; to ensure that health care and rehabilitation services to these Veterans are made available; and to help them cope with vision loss.
Members of the VIST Team
VIST is comprised of health care and allied health care professionals charged with the responsibility of ensuring that blind Veterans are identified, evaluated, and provided health and rehabilitation services to maximize adjustment to sight loss. Representatives may include, but are not limited to: the VIST Coordinator, social work, ophthalmology, optometry, prosthetics, primary care, vocational rehabilitation, library service, nursing, audiology, podiatry, nutrition, psychology, VBA, blind Veterans’ consumer organizations, blind consumers, and state or community agencies for persons who are blind.
VIST Services
The most important service offered to visually impaired Veterans is the Annual VIST Review. This is a yearly examination to assess the Veteran's adjustment to sight loss, current vision, hearing, and health. From this exam Veterans can be referred for specific training to learn adaptive techniques to help compensate for vision loss, community services and benefits, and follow up healthcare as needed. The VIST Coordinator helps Veterans maximize VA and other sources of benefits. Veterans remain in contact with the VIST Coordinator for additional needed services and counseling.
Referral Services
Referrals for services may include, but are not limited to:
- VA Inpatient Blind Rehabilitation Training Programs
- Community-Based Training programs
- Adapted Computer Training programs
- Low Vision Services
- Library of Congress Talking Book Program
- Paratransit Services
- Adapted Recreational Programs
Veterans are often issued prosthetic items which may include magnification devices, a video magnifier, a large print or talking computer system, canes, watches, talking paper currency identifiers, audible prescription readers, and a variety of adapted recreational devices.
Referral to VIST
Any Veteran whose vision loss impacts activities of daily living and is eligible for VA health care may participate in the VIST program. Referrals can be submitted by the Veteran, family, health care professional, or other concerned individuals. For more information contact:
Lila Jaffray, MA
VIST Coordinator (11V)
VA Medical Center
4150 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: (415) 221-4810 x2813
Email: lila.jaffray@va.gov
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