Pennsylvania Program Information
What are the eligibility requirements?
- A corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or greater in the better eye
- A visual field loss of 20 degrees or greater
- A diagnosis of a progressive sight-threatening disease
- A significant functional limitation from vision loss
What is the process for applying for services?
- Completion of referral form
- Assignment to District Office
- Completion of Application
- Eligibility determination by Social Work staff
What documentation is required?
Medical/Visual examination report completed by a physician
Available services:
- Advocacy and counseling
- Information and referral
- Blindness skills training
- Mobility (travel) instruction
- Instruction on performing daily living activities
- Purchasing assistive equipment
Additional service information:
Social Work staff will assist in connecting individuals with community organizations dedicated to serving the aging and visually impaired.
Program contact information:
BBVS Central Office
- Address: 651 Boas Street, 7th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17121
- Phone: 717-787-5244 Voice
- TTY: 717-787-4885 TTY
- Toll-Free: 800-442-6351
- Toll-Free TTY: 866-830-7327
- Website: Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services
Regional Office Contact Information
Address: 1130 12th Ave., Suite 300, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone: 814-946-7330 or 866-695-7673
TTY: 814-949-7956 or 814-949-7956
Counties served: Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Somerset, Union
Address: 4200 Lovell Place, Erie, PA 16503
Phone: 814-871-4401 or 866-521-5073
TTY: 814-871-4599 or 888-884-5513
Counties served: Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, Warren
Address: Forum Place, 555 Walnut Street, 8th Floor, Harrisburg PA 17101
Phone: 717-787-7500 or 866-375-8264
TTY: 717-787-1733 or 888-575-9420
Counties served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, York
Address: 801 Market St. Suite 6034 Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-560-5700 or 866-631-3892
TTY: 215-560-5725 or 888-870-4473
Counties served: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia
Address: 531 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-565-5240 or 866-412-4072
TTY: 412-565-3678 or 877-255-5082
Counties served: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Washington, Westmoreland
Address: 8 W Market St. 2nd Floor Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-826-2361 or 866-277-4163
TTY: 888-651-6117 or 888-651-6117
Program Manager
Jamie Pressmann, CVRT, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist for Federal and State Programs
Jamie has a Master’s Degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from Salus University and is Certified through ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals). She has been employed with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation / Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services for over 17 years.
Jamie started as a Social Worker in the Wilkes Barre District Office, working with individuals of all ages, in various counties. She became a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist in the Special Programs Division in 2021 where she is involved in a variety of projects.
Jamie is the program manager for the OIB Program, manages the Newsline program for OVR, assists in coordinating staff trainings, and presents at statewide conferences. Jamie serves as a VRT Intern Supervisor for Salus students. She also assists in special program development and implementation.
Pennsylvania Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services Brochure
Client Testimonials
- "We were very pleased and very grateful for the services we received. We have used the Blind and Visual Services a few times. Both times they have immensely improved the quality of life of which we are so thankful. Our service providers were professional and addressed the needs."
- "Of all the service agencies we have dealt with, BBVS is the BEST! We appreciate all the suggestions and aids we never knew about."
- "Thank you for your services. I appreciated learning about the services and receiving several items that make my life easier."