In Newfoundland and Labrador there are over 15,000 people that self identify as living with vision loss (Statistics Canada, 2006) and one in eight people can expect to live with significant vision loss after the age of 75 (CNIB, 2008). Given that the proportion of the population over the age of 65 is growing faster in Newfoundland and Labrador than anywhere else in Canada age-related vision loss will have a significant impact. Despite this prediction and the documented benefits of vision rehabilitation services, underutilization is a concern. The purpose of this research was to identify the needs, barriers, and pathways to accessing and using vision rehabilitation services in the province. A qualitative research approach was used to explore the topic and individual interviews were conducted with sixteen participants. The research informs the expansion and improvement of vision health and rehabilitation programs and the work of the CNIB Newfoundland and Labrador vision Rehabilitation Committee
