{"id":6194,"date":"2026-07-14T14:30:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T12:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/bibliotheek\/a-visit-to-koninklijke-visio\/"},"modified":"2026-09-09T17:07:44","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T15:07:44","slug":"a-visit-to-koninklijke-visio","status":"publish","type":"library_pt","link":"https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/en\/bibliotheek\/healthcare-providers\/a-visit-to-koninklijke-visio\/","title":{"rendered":"A Visit to Koninklijke Visio"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-14T12:25:22.773Z\">14 July 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anouk Stein has been working as a consultant and communications specialist at Koninklijke Visio for over four years. An important part of her job is raising awareness among people who aren\u2019t yet familiar with Visio. According to Anouk, this is desperately needed. \u201cMany people simply don\u2019t know we exist,\u201d she says. \u201cAs a result, people often come to us too late, even though we can help them right after a procedure, such as an eye removal.\u201d According to Anouk, many people think that support is only needed when vision is very poor. That turns out to be a misconception.        <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When people think of Visio, they often think mainly of assistive devices, but that image isn\u2019t entirely accurate. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about assistive devices,\u201d Anouk emphasizes. \u201cWe\u2019re not a store. The most important thing is learning to cope with a different way of seeing. That might mean learning to do things differently, using other senses, or learning to talk about how the loss of vision affects you. Acceptance is a key part of this. That\u2019s often forgotten. Royal Visio helps empower people and helps them rediscover their potential.\u201d   <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Koninklijke Visio has locations throughout the country. People can receive rehabilitation and counseling in Amsterdam, Apeldoorn, Breda, Eindhoven, Dordrecht, Goes, Heerhugowaard, Sittard, The Hague, Hoogeveen, Leeuwarden, Rotterdam, Vught, and Haren. Intensive rehabilitation is available at Loo Erf in Apeldoorn. \u201cThis is how we ensure that support is close at hand.\u201d   <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Accessible<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laila Gaasbeek works as a low-vision specialist and orthoptist at Koninklijke Visio. In her work, she focuses primarily on visual functioning: what a person can still see, what challenges they face, and how those challenges can be addressed in daily life. According to Laila, support often starts with a low barrier to entry. \u201cNot everyone needs to sign up right away,\u201d she explains. \u201cPeople can simply get information first, for example through Anouk. That alone can clarify a lot.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When someone does sign up, the process begins with an intake assessment. Based on that, we determine what kind of support is appropriate. \u201cWe often start with a visual function assessment,\u201d says Laila. \u201cThen we look at exactly what the person can see and how we can compensate for any loss of vision\u2014for example, with better lighting, magnification, or other adjustments to a computer screen.\u201d   <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For people who see with only one eye, the support they need can vary greatly. \u201cThe field of vision becomes narrower, and binocular depth perception is lost,\u201d Laila explains. \u201cWe make people aware of that. We give them tips and tools. This often takes place under the guidance of an occupational therapist and sometimes a social worker as well. An occupational therapist advises on practical adjustments in daily life. For example, using extra mirrors on a bicycle or in a car, or becoming more aware of your body. If you know where your body is, making precise movements becomes a lot easier. You can train all of these skills.\u201d  <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support can be provided either individually or in a group setting. \u201cIt depends on what someone wants and needs,\u201d says Laila. In cases of anxiety or uncertainty\u2014for example, regarding the other eye\u2014a social worker or a behavioral scientist may also be involved. \u201cAt Visio, we definitely pay attention to the social-emotional aspects of living with a visual impairment.\u201d     <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"608\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Voorkeur_geportretterden.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4618\" style=\"width:524px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Voorkeur_geportretterden.jpg 608w, https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Voorkeur_geportretterden-228x300.jpg 228w, https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Voorkeur_geportretterden-535x704.jpg 535w, https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Voorkeur_geportretterden-360x474.jpg 360w, https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Voorkeur_geportretterden-270x355.jpg 270w, https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Voorkeur_geportretterden-124x163.jpg 124w, https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Voorkeur_geportretterden-55x72.jpg 55w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From left to right: Femke Braun, Laila Gaasbeek, Anouk Stein<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Focus on the Request for Help<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What Laila often hears from clients is that Visio really takes the time to help them. \u201cPeople say, \u2018It\u2019s so nice that they take the time to calmly explain what\u2019s going on and what you can do about it.\u2019\u201d She regularly hears about this contrast with the hospital. \u201cAn ophthalmologist often has very little time. We, on the other hand, help translate that information into everyday life.\u201d The client\u2019s specific needs are central to this process, Laila emphasizes. \u201cSomeone might come in with a question about reading, but if I see that glare is an issue, I\u2019ll also discuss solutions for that. Sometimes you just have to look a little beyond the initial question someone comes in with.\u201d     <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visio is visible in many places, for example through low-vision consultation hours at hospitals, during meetings, and walk-in consultation hours at Visio locations. \u201cPeople can walk in to these meetings without a referral,\u201d Laila explains. \u201cFor tips, information, or an initial consultation.\u201d Visio can also be reached by phone and email. \u201cThe help desk is staffed by people who know what they\u2019re talking about,\u201d she says. \u201cSome staff members are visually impaired or blind themselves. That makes the interaction very valuable.\u201d Visio also offers a wealth of practical information through the online Visio Knowledge Portal. There, you can find tips on useful apps, for example, as well as videos on a variety of topics, such as how to use a white cane.         <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>If work plays a role<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Femke Braun works as an Employment Advisor at Koninklijke Visio. Femke is part of <em>Visio Zicht op Werk<\/em>. \u201cThis department is made up of Employment Advisors who work throughout the country. We answer any questions people have about work. I support people, from the point of work absence through their return to work. This also includes helping them find suitable alternative employment. Suppose you suddenly lose vision in one eye due to a retinal infarction. In that case, you\u2019ll often see an ophthalmologist first and then come to Visio. If it turns out that work is a factor, that\u2019s when my colleagues and I step in. Together, we assess what someone needs to be able to continue working. This might involve practical instructions, workplace accommodations, or support in gradually building up their workload.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOur efforts often yield great results.\u201d Femke cites real-life examples. \u201cWe supported a car mechanic who lost the use of one eye. He could no longer perform certain tasks, such as connecting wires. Through instruction and learning to see things differently, he was able to return to work.\u201d A lab technician who had difficulty with precision work also received support. \u201cAfter this training, she was able to resume her work.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Femke\u2019s work isn\u2019t limited to people who are already in the workforce. Young people with visual impairments can also turn to her for help. \u201cAt the end of high school, we work with the student to assess their capacity, interests, and opportunities,\u201d she explains. \u201cWe do this as a whole team, including a mental health psychologist, a low-vision specialist, an occupational therapist, an IT coach, and a social worker. This gives us a clear picture that helps with choosing a course of study and, later, a career.\u201d   <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What Femke finds important is that people continue to believe in their own potential. \u201cA visual impairment doesn\u2019t automatically mean you can\u2019t work anymore,\u201d she emphasizes. \u201cWith the right guidance, accommodations, and time, people can often achieve much more than they initially think. At Visio, we all work under the motto: \u2018What Is Possible.\u2019\u201d  <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More information<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Koninklijke Visio help desk is available on business days from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at<br \/>\ud83d\udcde 088 \u2013 585 56 66<br \/> \u2709\ufe0f kennisportaal@visio.org<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Knowledge and Tips<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/kennisportaal.visio.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> kennisportaal.visio.org <\/a> <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Walk-in consultation hours and schedule:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/visio.org\/overzichtspagina-agenda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">visio.org\/overzichtspagina-agenda<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>All Visio locations<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/visio.org\/locaties\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">visio.org\/locaties<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Visible at Work<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/zichtbaarinwerk.nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">zichtbaarinwerk.nl<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Reimbursement for healthcare:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/visio.org\/wat-biedt-visio\/zorgdeclaraties\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">visio.org\/wat-biedt-visio\/zorgdeclaraties<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>During a visit to Koninklijke Visio, we spoke with three employees of this center of expertise for people who are visually impaired or blind. People can turn to the center for information and advice, as well as for rehabilitation, education, housing, and daytime activities\u2014all with the goal of living, learning, and working as independently as possible. In this conversation with Anouk Stein, Femke Braun, and Laila Gaasbeek, they discuss their roles at Koninklijke Visio and how they can help people who are monocular, blind, or severely visually impaired.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":6199,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_daextauttol_enable_tooltips":""},"library_cat":[126],"class_list":["post-6194","library_pt","type-library_pt","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","library_cat-healthcare-providers"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/library_pt\/6194","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/library_pt"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/library_pt"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6199"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6194"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"library_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ver-ooginoog.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/library_cat?post=6194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}