For those with vision loss, new hotline can offer support and empathy

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A hotline has been set up to help people with vision loss cope with the challenges, and people answering the call know exactly what it's like to live with vision loss. 

Call the Eye2Eye hotline and a person with vision loss picks up the phone offering support and empathy, because they do understand. 

Dr. Steven Silverstein, professor of psychiatry at Rutgers University, is co-director of the program and says the line is needed, because studies show that a third of people with vision loss suffer depression and anxiety. 

"(The hotline) provides some sense of how things will unfold over the weeks and months, maybe some tips and strategies, things that have been shown to work for them or other people, maybe suggest some healthcare providers that could help as well," he explained. 

The number is 833-932-3931 or 83-EYE2EYE-1.