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San Francisco VA Medical Center

Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST)

What is VIST?

/images/glasses.bmpThe 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 ensuring 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
  • Video magnifier
  • A large print or talking computer system
  • Canes for visually impaired
  • Talking watches
  • Talking paper currency identifiers
  • Audible prescription readers
  • 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)
San Francisco VA Medical Center
4150 Clement Street
San Francisco CA 94121
Phone: (415) 221-4810, ext. 2813
Email: lila.jaffray@va.gov

Contact Info

Location

  • Bldg. 2
    Ground Floor, Room 89

Contact Number(s)

  • 415-221-4810 Ext. 2813

Hours of Operation

  • Monday - Friday
    8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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