
Causes of Permanent Central Vision Loss
The common causes of permanent central vision loss are age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. We perform therapies aimed at preserving and sometimes restoring vision. In many cases, we cannot stop what nature started, and patients are left with limited vision. This can change a person’s life negatively and is terribly frustrating. The goal of this handout is to give you information regarding options and resources that will help you make the most of the vision you have. These are general suggestions and may not apply to your specific case. Also, in some diseases, a person’s vision may be changing and what is helpful now may need to be modified in the future. Low vision stores have useful tools to help with any level of vision loss.
Visual Acuity
Low Vision Resources
Click on a resource below for more information:
General
Minnesota State Services for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
2200 University Ave. W., #240
St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-642-0500
Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss
4505 W. Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-624-4828
State Services for the Blind for Northern Minnesota
320 W. 2nd Street, Suite 205
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone:218-723-4600 or 1-800-657-3752
Vision Loss Resources
1936 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone:612-871-2222
Vision Loss Resources
216 Wabasha St. S.
St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone:651-224-7662
Training
Phillips Eye Institute Vision Rehabilitation Center
2215 Park Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 612-775-8866
State Services for the Blind for Northern Minnesota
320 W. 2nd Street, Suite 205
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-723-4600 or 1-800-657-3752
University of Minnesota Vision Rehabilitation Phillips
Wangensteen Building
516 Delaware St. SE 9th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-625-4400 or 1-800-937-4393
Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss
4505 W. Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-624-4828
St. Luke’s Hospital Vision Rehabilitation Program
915 East First Street
Duluth, MN 55805
Phone: 218-726-5519 or 1-800-321-3790
Equipment
Minnesota Low Vision Store – Phillips Eye Institute
710 E 24th St
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 1-612-775-8967 or 1-651-489-4194
Fax Number: 1-612-775-8876
Website: www.mnlowvision.com
Lighthouse Low Vision Store
4505 W Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55807
Minnesota Low Vision Store
821 3rd Avenue SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Lighthouse Low Vision Products
938 Andresen Drive
Escondido, CA 92029
Phone: 1-800-453-4923
Fax Number: 1-800-368-4111
Independent Living Aids
137 Rano St
Buffalo, NY 14207
Phone: 1-800-537-2118
The Low Vision Store
2200 West University Ave., #200
St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-203-2200 or 1800-871-8780
Website: www.lvsmn.com
Allied Technologies Inc.
11440 Lakeland Drive, #101
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Phone: 1-800-267-5350 or 763-425-8660
Miscellaneous
IRS (Tax exemptions for the visually impaired)
Phone: 1-800-829-1040
Division of Motor Vehicles (Drivers License Testing)
Phone: 651-297-3298
Courage Center Driving Assessment Program
Phone: 763-520-0637
Free Directory Assistance
1-800-500-3453 – for McLeod Customers
1-800-244-1111 – for Qwest Customers
Helpful Links to Area Services
U of M Resource Directory for the Visually Impaired
Website: https://gellab.psych.umn.edu/links.html
Vision Loss Resources
Phone: 612-871-2222
Website: www.visionlossresources.org
American Foundation for the Blind
Phone: 1-800-232-5463
Website: www.AFB.org
Lighthouse International
Phone: 1-800-829-0500
Website: www.lighthouse.org
Books on Tape, Inc.
Customer Service: 1-800-733-3000
Website: www.booksontape.com
National Federation of the Blind
Phone: 410-659-9314
Website: www.nfb.org