These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Start with a talk
You can ask"Can you tell me what you can and can't see? When did it change?"
You can ask"Have you seen an eye doctor about it? Do you have diabetes?"
Sudden loss of sight, a curtain over the eye, or sudden eye pain is an emergency. Go to the emergency room now or call 911.
Gila Regional Medical Center
Emergency room
575-538-4000 · 24/7:
911
1313 E. 32nd St., Silver City · 24/7
You can say"Losing your sight is hard. There are free people who teach you how to keep doing things on your own."
2Get the eyes checked
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver City Community Health Center: Dental and vision
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Dental Mon-Fri 7:00 am-5:30 pm (closed 12-12:30); clinic Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm
EyeCare America (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
Free medical eye exam for seniors
877-887-6327
3The Commission for the Blind (free)
NM Commission for the Blind
Services for blind and low-vision people
575-524-6450
277 E Amador Ave, Suite 101, Las Cruces · Weekdays
NM Commission for the Blind - Las Cruces Field Office
Job training, independent living skills and devices for blind and low-vision peo
888-513-7960
277 E. Amador Ave, Suite 101, Las Cruces · Weekday business hours
Teachers can come to the home. They teach cane travel, cooking, telling money apart, using a phone, and Braille.
They can give tools like white canes, talking watches and magnifiers.
Bring
- Eye doctor's report, if they have one
- photo ID
- Medicaid or Medicare card
4Reading, learning and support groups
New Mexico State Library - Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Free talking books and players by mail
800-456-5515
1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
NM Commission for the Blind - NFB-NEWSLINE
Free newspapers and magazines read by phone (NEWSLINE)
888-513-7958
2200 Yale Blvd. SE, Albuquerque · Service available 24/7
Hadley
Free lessons and peer groups for adults losing their sight
1-800-323-4238
· Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Central (7am-4pm Mountain)
At the Gospel MissionFree mail service works for talking books. Their address: Their Name, c/o Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061.
5Safety, rides and veterans
Corre Caminos Public Transit
Curb-to-curb ride by reservation (demand response)
575-388-3180
3033 Highway 180 East, Silver City · Book Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:50pm; rides run same days and hours as bus routes
VA New Mexico Health Care System - Silver City VA Clinic
VA clinic (primary care, mental health, social work)
575-538-2921 · 24/7:
988 then press 1
2950 Leslie Rd., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30
More help like this
A senior (55+ or 60+) needs helpUse when an older guest (55 or older) needs food, help at home, Medicare help, or may not be safe.A senior or disabled adult is being neglected, abused or taken advantage ofUse when an older or disabled adult is being hurt, neglected, left without care, or someone is taking their money or property.An older person seems confused, lost or wanderingUse when an older adult seems lost or confused, can't say where they live, or is wandering outside alone, maybe because of dementia or a medical problem.Caring for an aging parent, or a senior who can't get outUse when an older person can't manage at home, can't get out, is alone, or their family caregiver needs help.Needs a wheelchair, walker or other medical equipmentUse when someone needs a wheelchair, walker, shower chair, hearing or communication device, or other equipment to live safely.Can't hear well, needs hearing aids, or is deafUse when someone has hearing loss, needs hearing aids or an amplified phone, or is deaf and needs an interpreter.
See all guides in Family, seniors and veterans →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.