Visual Impairment Services Team

Assisting The Veteran or Service Member With Adjustment And Resources For Sight Loss

VIST Services Include:

• assessment and diagnosis
• specialized case management for vision related issues 
• referrals for rehabilitative assistance to include virtual, inpatient, outpatient and home training. 
• Individual & family counseling
• Repair & replacement of prosthetic visual aids

How do I get VA Services?

The VIST Coordinator is the primary point of contact for information about vision rehabilitation services for the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. Call us to be connected or request of your VA provider to place referral. 

If you are not enrolled in our healthcare system, please call: 1-877-222-8387

Who Qualifies for VIST Services?

A Veteran or Service Member, enrolled in the VA Healthcare System whose vision is listed as one of the following:

- Legally Blind

- Low Vision

- Functional Vision Loss

Receiving VIST Services 

The VA has specialists available in Low Vision Optometry, Vision Rehabilitation and a multitude of allied fields.

You DO NOT have to give up your current medical providers to receive VA medical services. 

VIST TEAM:

VIST Coordinators

Nadia Echeandia-Rivera (650) 250-3649

Nicholas Smedes (650) 391-3737

Blind Rehab Outpatient Specialists (BROS)

David Patten

Jin Chung

Polytrauma BROS

Jennifer Katsaros 

Janie Salguero 

Low Vision Optometrists

Dr. Tarah Lee

Dr. Shanida Ingalla 

For more information on services or to contact the VIST Coordinator, please call: (650) 614-9952

VA Palo Alto Health Care System

3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304

(650) 493-5000

(800) 455-0057

San Jose VA Clinic 

5855 Silver Creek Valley Place, San Jose, CA 95138-1059

(408) 574-9100

Major General William H. Gourley VA-DoD Outpatient Clinic

201 9th Street, Marina, CA 93933-6039

(831) 884-1000