Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia

What Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia does

Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia (VRSGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1983 and headquartered in Smyrna, Georgia, that delivers free vision rehabilitation services to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages across the state. Its service portfolio spans eight core programs: low vision evaluation, instruction in daily living skills, orientation and mobility training, access technology training, job readiness services, the Transition Academy (for clients aged 14-24), counseling, and Project Independence (for clients aged 55 and older). Delivery is structured around direct client services — provided in-home, at headquarters, and through four regional support groups covering Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest Georgia — supplemented by school-based contracts that channel youth into the Transition Academy.

VRSGA holds accreditation from the National Accreditation Council (NAC) for agencies serving the blind and visually impaired, a credential that anchors its eligibility for state vocational rehabilitation contracts. It operates a resource partner network that includes the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), United Way, Cobb County government, and other community organizations. Services are funded through a mix of public contracts (state vocational rehabilitation, county government), United Way allocations, school system contracts, individual donations, and foundation grants; clients receive services at no cost. The organization maintains a lean operating footprint of approximately 18 staff.

The operating model is mission-driven rather than commercial: there is no pricing model, no sales motion, and no revenue capture from end users. Strategic emphasis in recent years has been on segment expansion (youth transitions and senior independence), geographic reach across Georgia regions, and ecosystem buildout with public-sector and nonprofit funders. The most recent visible commercial repositioning was the 2024 rebrand of its signature fundraiser from the Spooktacular Chase to "The Race to See," aligning development messaging with the organization's mission.

Name

Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia

Legal name

Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia, Inc.

Website

https://vrsga.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1983 in Smyrna, GA, providing free vision rehabilitation services — including low vision evaluation, orientation and mobility, access technology training, and job readiness — to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages across Georgia, funded through public contracts, United Way, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Blind and Low Vision Rehabilitation Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Low Vision Rehabilitation (HLAKAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Geriatric Rehabilitation Programs (HLADAJAL), Long-Term Care Rehabilitation Centers (HLAFAFAD), Wheelchair, Seating, Mobility & Transfer Training In-Home (HSABADAO), Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors) (HLADAIAI), Deaf/Hard of Hearing & Vision Services (Audiology, Interpreting, Orientation & Mobility) (EDAJAKAI)

Keywords

• Vision rehabilitation services
• Blind and low vision services
• Assistive technology training
• Orientation and mobility training
• Daily living skills training

Headquarters

HQ city

Smyrna

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Grants and Government Contracts: Services supported by funds from United Way in Cobb County, Cobb County Government, contracts with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Project Independence, and school systems, as well as various grants and private donations.
2. Project Independence (Georgia Division of Vocational Rehabilitation): Older Blind Program administered by Georgia Division of Vocational Rehabilitation providing services to adults 55+ to help them remain independent.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporate sponsors, event fundraising (Race to See, Golf Tournament), Georgia Gives Day, annual fund, tribute gifts, and bequests. No fee is charged to clients for services.
4. Private Pay for Adaptive Equipment: Practical tools such as magnifiers, glare control glasses, bump dots, writing guides, and canes are recommended during evaluations and clients advised on how to obtain them.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia provides free, certified-instructor-led vision rehabilitation services to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages across Georgia. Core offerings include Comprehensive Low Vision Evaluation, Daily Living Skills Training, Orientation and Mobility Training, Access Technology Training, Job Readiness, Transition Academy, Personal Adjustment Counseling, and Project Independence for older adults. Services are delivered at the Smyrna headquarters and throughout the state at client homes, schools, and community locations, with no fee charged to clients.

Product overview

Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia (VRS) operates as a single, unified service organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of vision rehabilitation services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The core service architecture consists of eight interconnected programs: Comprehensive Low Vision Evaluation (the intake and assessment gateway), Daily Living Skills Training, Orientation and Mobility Training, Access Technology Training, Job Readiness, Transition Academy (for youth aged 14-24), Personal Adjustment Counseling, and Project Independence (for adults 55+). Practical Tools for Independent Living—including magnifiers, specialized glasses, and assistive technology—are recommended as add-on components during evaluations. Together, these services form a coordinated continuum of care designed to help clients of all ages achieve independence across school, work, and everyday life environments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Comprehensive Low Vision Evaluation Evaluation conducted by a low vision specialist optometrist who reviews medical and vision histories and evaluates the functionality of the client's vision to recommend practical tools and build a custom service plan for blind and visually impaired individuals.
• Daily Living Skills Training Training provided by Vision Rehabilitation Therapists to help blind and visually impaired clients identify instructional needs and learn skills and alternative techniques for independent living in areas such as communications, medical management, cooking, and leisure activities.
• Orientation and Mobility Training Training program designed to allow blind and visually impaired clients to travel safely and independently in all life environments, including evaluating travel needs, exploring transportation alternatives, completing home safety assessments, and providing fall prevention guidance.
• Access Technology Training Training that equips blind and visually impaired individuals with skills and technology tools for living and working independently, including instruction in computer skills, speech software, magnification software, OCR scanning software, note-taker/PDA devices, and accessible cell phones.
• Job Readiness Classes that prepare individuals with low vision or blindness for meaningful careers by helping identify work opportunities, explore necessary tools and strategies, and learn how to discuss vision impairment with potential employers.
• Transition Academy Guidance, rehabilitation, and career services designed to help young adults aged 14–24 who are blind or visually impaired successfully transition from home and high school to the next phase of their lives in college or work.
• Personal Adjustment Counseling Counseling services that help blind and visually impaired individuals and their loved ones cope with the physiological and emotional challenges of vision loss, developing new tools and techniques to feel more in control.
• Project Independence: Georgia Vision Program Vision program for adults aged 55 and older (also referred to as the Older Blind Program), administered by the Georgia Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, providing services such as access technology training and support groups to help seniors remain independent.

Quantifiable outcome

• Since 1983, VRS has been teaching people who are visually impaired or blind how to adapt to their vision loss so that they may function independently

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC)coreOthersNAC is the only accrediting body solely focused on standards and best practices for blind and low vision services. VRS has received accreditation from NAC, demonstrating it meets or exceeds NAC standards for delivery of blind and low vision services. The accreditation process involves self-examination, on-site peer review by field professionals, and review by the NAC Accreditation Committee.
• Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVRS has contracts with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. Project Independence (Older Blind Program) is administered by GVRA and provides services to adults 55+ to help them remain independent.
• Georgia School SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVRS provides services to students through contracts with Georgia school systems, including Transition Academy services for young adults ages 14-24 transitioning from home and high school to college or work.
• The Lighthouse (Lions Lighthouse of Georgia)minorOthersThe Lighthouse provides low-cost vision and hearing services to underinsured Georgians. Listed as a resource partner on VRS's website for clients needing vision screenings, eye exams, eyeglasses, and eye surgeries.
• Georgia Tools for LifeminorOthersGeorgia Tools for Life is dedicated to increasing access to assistive technology devices and services for Georgians of all ages and disabilities. Listed as a resource on VRS's website.
• Eye Consultants of AtlantaminorOthersEye Consultants of Atlanta has a charitable program providing cataract eye surgeries at no cost for Georgians living at or below poverty level. Listed as a resource partner on VRS's website.
• Georgia Radio Reading Service (GaRRS)minorOthersGaRRS is Georgia's premier provider of information for individuals who are visually-impaired or print-impaired, broadcasting newspapers, books, and magazines. Listed as a resource partner on VRS's website.
• National Library ServiceminorOthersNational Library Service provides free braille and audio books for people with blindness, low vision, or physical disabilities. Listed as a resource partner on VRS's website.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• VisionServe Alliance: National membership consortium of nonprofits serving people with vision loss. VRS would be a peer member; provides shared resources, advocacy, and best practices for organizations like VRS.
• Lions Clubs International: Global service organization that funds vision-related causes including Lions Lighthouse of Georgia. Operates as a funder and volunteer-driven support network rather than direct service provider, but mission-aligned with VRS.

Direct peers

• Chicago Lighthouse: Chicago-area nonprofit offering vision rehabilitation, low vision exams, assistive technology, and employment services for the blind and visually impaired. Closely comparable service portfolio to VRS, including job readiness programs.
• Bosma Enterprises: Indiana-based nonprofit providing rehabilitation services, training, and employment for people who are blind or visually impaired. Comparable service portfolio including O&M, assistive technology, and job readiness.
• Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI): Regional nonprofit in Rochester, NY providing vision rehabilitation, low vision evaluations, and adaptive living services. Directly comparable nonprofit model delivering similar suite of services to VRS, including O&M and assistive technology training.

Broad incumbents

• National Federation of the Blind (NFB): National advocacy and service organization for the blind, with state affiliates including a Georgia chapter. Comparable mission of independence for blind individuals, though primarily advocacy rather than direct rehabilitation services.
• American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): National nonprofit focused on research, advocacy, and improving services for the blind and visually impaired. Comparable mission focus on vision rehabilitation, though operates more as a research/policy organization.
• Lighthouse Guild: National nonprofit providing vision rehabilitation, healthcare, and support services for the blind and visually impaired. Broader scope and reach than VRS, but directly comparable on low vision evaluation, training, and assistive technology services.
• Perkins School for the Blind: Massachusetts-based nonprofit providing education, rehabilitation, and assistive technology services for the blind and visually impaired. Comparable on vision rehabilitation services for youth and adults, though broader scope includes K-12 education.

Emerging players

• Hadley: Illinois-based nonprofit providing distance learning and support for people with vision loss, increasingly offering online vision rehabilitation. Different delivery model (remote/digital) but overlapping focus on adjustment, daily living skills, and assistive technology training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia