As Vision Declines, Veteran’s Artistic Journey Expands Through Touch
AUGUSTA, Ga. — After more than 20 years of living with glaucoma, Regina Thomas has watched her vision worsen steadily over the past five years. But instead of letting her diagnosis determine her future, she set out to redefine what was possible.
With support from the Augusta Blind Rehab Center, she has turned her challenges into purpose and inspiration.
Thomas's interest in resin art began after she discovered online tutorials. What started as a simple curiosity grew into a passion. As she continued learning, she expanded into mixed‑media resin art, incorporating melted bottles, rocks, crystals, sand and other textured materials. As her vision changed, she shifted her focus from what could be seen to what could be felt, aiming to create art that evokes touch, emotion and memory.
“I didn’t want to be in the dark and lost, so I decided to make my art tactile,” Regina Thomas said. “If you can’t see it, you can feel it, and someone else can describe it to you.”
Art soon became more than a creative outlet. For Thomas, it became preparation, empowerment and a way to preserve memories for the future. Her determination to keep creating is one reason she sought training at the Augusta Blind Rehab Center.
During her training, she learned adaptive techniques and found new methods to stay engaged in her craft. In Manual Skills class, she built her own spinning paint board to support her artwork. In Living Skills, she learned strategies such as using tactile color labels on measuring cups, helping her remain independent in daily tasks.
What inspired her most, she said, was seeing other visually impaired Veterans living productive, independent lives. She carries a personal motto that guides her work: “I can do that.” Watching others succeed after vision loss helped her see blindness as a difficulty — not an impossibility. The structure and encouragement she received at the Blind Rehab Center gave her the confidence to continue moving forward.
“The people here pushed me to continue moving forward, and I’ve enjoyed every bit of the training I’ve received,” she said.
Ms. Thomas plans to continue her resin art journey and hopes to reconnect with other hobbies she once loved, including sewing and crocheting. Most importantly, she hopes to one day teach and encourage others who are visually impaired.
Her story underscores that vision loss does not signal the end of creativity, independence or purpose. Through the services and training offered at the Augusta Blind Rehab Center, Veterans are supported as they adapt, thrive and rediscover what is possible.
Story by Yolanda Burris, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist at the VA Augusta Health Care System