Hope Is Here at CVI
To Get Started Call 404-875-9011
Whether you’re experiencing vision loss for the first time or have never had full vision, the Center for the Visually Impaired can help you. Seniors, adults, teens, children and families impacted by vision loss can find the services they need to be as independent as possible and continue to enjoy life to the fullest.
We offer services on a sliding fee scale and have several payment options. CVI accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most Medicare Advantage and private insurance plans in Georgia. We also offer private pay options for services that are not covered by your insurance.
Financial Assistance is available based on income and household size. For information about financial assistance, please see below. You can also give us a call at 404-875-9011 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
What is covered under the financial assistance program?
- Low Vision Exams
- Certain items in the VisAbility Store (check with store for details on qualifying items)
- Orientation and Mobility, Independent Living Skills, Braille, Assistive Technology, and other Vision Rehabilitation Services
- Functional Vision Assessments for preschoolers, and school age children
- Educational, social and enrichment programs for school age children
What about insurance?
Your insurance policy may cover all or part of the cost of a low vision exam for individuals ages five and up. Your insurance may NOT cover rehabilitation services or training related to blindness or low vision. You may fund the cost of these services yourself or apply for financial assistance.
How does CVI determine if I'm eligible for financial assistance?
Fee reductions are based on a sliding scale. To be eligible, you must first supply documentation showing your individual and/or household gross income for the most recent tax year. For consideration, you must provide the following documentation to CVI:
- The first page of your federal tax return showing all gross income and household dependents for the most recent tax year if before April 15 or the current tax year if after April 15.
- For clients 17 and younger whose family does not file taxes, the parent/guardian must submit a letter from the IRS confirming a status of non-filing along with documentation of income (such as a Social Security benefit letter) in order for the family to be considered for financial assistance.
- For adult clients who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and who do not file income taxes, you must submit a benefit verification letter from the Social Security Administration for the year in which the fee reduction is being requested. If you have active Medicaid coverage, this will also serve as proof of income and will be approved for financial assistance (please provide CVI with your Medicaid member ID during the intake process so your policy can be verified).
Applicants can obtain required income verification documents from the IRS or Social Security Administration at the following websites or by calling the numbers below:
Internal Revenue Service (IRS):
Online: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/transcript-types-and-ways-to-order-them
By Phone: 1-844-545-5640 or for automated ordering of tax documents 1-800-908-9946. If you are unable to complete the IRS transcript request form, you can make an appointment to visit a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center to obtain any required tax document(s) (such as a Proof of Non-Filing Status letter).
Social Security Administration (SSA):
Online: www.ssa.gov/myaccount/proof-of-benefits.html
By Phone: 1-800-772-1213.
How do I submit documentation?
Income documentation must be presented to CVI and verified before any fee discounts will be approved. CVI will accept all documents via email or they may be dropped off at the CVI building located at 739 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 (if dropping off documents, please write the applicant’s name on the envelope). Also, please mark out all Social Security number(s) on tax or Social Security documentation. These numbers are not required for proof of income, only the applicant’s full name is needed to be listed on documents.
The documentation from clients to CVI for consideration for a fee reduction must accurately reflect the client and/or their family’s current financial situation at the time of the fee reduction request. Any attempt to mislead or conceal your true financial situation may result in the inability to apply for such discounts in the future. These requirements are intended to ensure that precious financial assistance funds go to as many clients as possible who qualify for fee reductions.
Once income verification is complete, your approved discount will be applied, and you will be contacted to schedule the initial evaluation and any subsequent training.
How do I pay for services?
Payment for services must be made before an evaluation and/or training can begin. Clients may pay with cash, credit card or debit card. Clients may pay prior to their service in the VisAbility Store or inside the Florence Maxwell Low Vision Clinic at the check-in window.
Who do I contact if I'm interested in applying for financial assistance?
If you are interested in financial assistance, please contact Client Services at 404-875-9011 or email Barbara Williams at bwilliams@cviga.org.
Our Client Services team can now arrange for translation services. This service is available in multiple languages and eliminates a meaningful barrier to receiving low vision care. Clients may request translation services by calling 404-875-9011.
Open the links below to learn more about the services and support you can gain at CVI:
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The Florence Maxwell Low Vision Clinic shows you how to make the best use of the vision you have through a low vision evaluation and consultation with an occupational therapist. The Clinic serves people age 5 and older.
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The Adult Rehabilitation Programs & Support Services provides training in how to navigate every aspect of your life with visual impairment. From using new technology to adjusting to new routines to sharing experiences with others, CVI gives you the knowledge you need to live more independently.
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The Pediatric Services program serves children ages 3-5 with low vision exams, occupational therapy (OT), small group sessions focused on enhancing play, and one-on-one rehabilitation.
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The Youth Services program serves children ages 5-21 with low vision exams, independent living instruction, orientation and mobility training (O&M), technology skills, individual education plan (IEP), and braille tutoring.
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A complete schedule and description of support groups is provided for those who may benefit from sharing the experience of vision loss with others.
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