Support Groups

So you’re losing your vision, and family and friends just don’t understand what you are going through. They mean well and want to help, but you can’t turn to them for the kind of guidance and advice you want. What you really need is to talk to someone who has been there.

At CVI, there are a variety of support groups available to help you with the emotional, practical and social aspects of vision loss. No matter what condition you are struggling with – diabetes, macular degeneration, blindness – there are others to help guide you on this journey.

Diabetes Support Group: Mondays, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

This group is open to anyone who is visually impaired and also has diabetes. During the meeting attendees learn about proper diabetes management, health, nutrition, exercise and the latest industry information on diabetes. The group also attends local outings and has occasional speakers.

"Living with Vision Loss" Support Group: Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This group is open to anyone who is visually impaired and their friends and family. The group focuses on life as a newly blind or visually impaired person. Members discuss coping strategies and tips and also provide encouragement and support to each other.

Macular Degeneration Support Group: Second Monday of each month, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The group features educational topics and emotional support for individuals with macular degeneration, their friends and family. They also hold two festive social gatherings during the year.

Client BEGIN Parent Groups

Monday Parent Group meets the first Monday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Parent Groups meet the first Tuesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday Parent Group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

These groups are for parents of children in CVI’s BEGIN program, ages newborn to five years old. While the children are taking classes the group provides emotional support, advocacy and resources on parenting a visually impaired child.

Client BEGIN Wake Up and Sing Group Program: First through fourth Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This group is for both parent and child and uses music, singing and group discussion to provide emotional support. Contact Memri Lerch at 404-602-4333 for more information.

Men’s Support Group: Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

This group is for men who are currently taking rehabilitation classes. The group provides emotional support and resources for men who have recently lost their vision. Contact Lorenzo Powell at 404-602-4373 for more information.

Women’s Support Group: Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

This group is for women who are currently taking rehabilitation classes. The group provides emotional support and resources for women who have recently lost their vision. Contact Deborah Shimberg at 404-602-4303 for more information.