An Interdisciplinary Approach to Care of Veterans with Vision Impairment

This report describes the impact of vision impairment (VI) among veterans and how nurse practitioners (NPs) can assist patients with VI using an interdisciplinary approach. Evidence-based recommendations are presented. Early diagnosis and treatment of VI is critical. NPs can foster positive outcomes among veteran patients as they engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with vision care specialists and support patients in adjustment to blindness training. Current evidence supports the assessment of visual function among all veteran patients as part of routine evaluation. Suggestions are offered to assist NPs in identifying adjustment to blindness training and vision loss resources to improve care. •Undiagnosed vision impairment can lead to multiple negative outcomes.•Vision impairment is easy to overlook in a brief clinic visit.•Veterans are at an increased risk for vision impairment.•Nurse practitioners play an essential role in identifying vision impairment and referring patients to resources.