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We Want to Be Your Resource
In Iowa, about 54,000 people are visually impaired, and of this number, about 10,000 are blind.
As a healthcare professional, it is likely you provide services or care to people with vision loss. The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) can be a valuable resource to you and your patients. Whether it is fielding a question regarding helpful visual aids or giving instruction on the use of the long, white cane, we are here to help.
Overview of Department Programs
Learn about the various programs and services we offer that may be of assistance to some of your patients
Make a Referral
If you have a patient you believe could benefit from our services, please refer them using our referral form.
When to Make a Referral: A doctor's story
An optometrist in De Witt tells about why he refers patients to IDB, when it is appropriate and what patients can get out of our services.
Referrals: What to Expect from Us
Independent Living teacher Jonathan Ice explains what happens on our end when a patient is referred to us for services and gives an example of one patient whose services were tailored to her needs.
Tour IDB
The best way to learn about who we are and what we do is to tour our Des Moines facility. We welcome guests and would enjoy networking with you.
Request a Speaker
Staff from the Department frequently give presentations and would welcome the opportunity to speak to you and your healthcare staff. Let us share our stories with you so you can learn more about us.
Learn about our Fourth-Year Rotation for DMU Osteopathic Students
We offer a two-week rotation for DMU osteopathic medical students in their fourth year of their education, which gives students a glimpse into the work of IDB staff and interaction with blind and visually impaired Iowans.
Contact Us
If you have questions about our programs and services, please contact us.
