Vacation at VA Augusta: How one woman’s mindset to master blindness led her to rediscover the Veteran inside

Known for her unwavering spirit and dedication to her students in Richmond County, Jordan’s world was turned upside down on Thanksgiving Day in 2022, when she suddenly lost vision in her left eye.

“It was so unexpected,” Jordan said. “One moment, I was enjoying the holiday, and the next, darkness took over my left eye. After two hospital visits and 18 long hours, doctors informed me it was irreversible. Until that day, I had never even heard the word ‘ophthalmologist.’”

Despite the devastating news, Jordan remained hopeful. She had worked hard to advance in her career as an educator, and she was determined to be a principal. She secured a prosthetic eye and looked forward to returning to her routine. By July 2023, she was back on her way to becoming a principal. 

“I was ready to share what I had experienced,” she said, a smile revealing her determined spirit during a recent White Cane Day event at VA Augusta Health Care System. “But then people started suggesting retirement, and I just couldn't see that for myself.”

Jordan treated herself to a luxury 2024 hybrid Lexus and proudly drove with one good eye. But things took a tragic turn. In March 2024, she realized her right eye was beginning to fail, and only days later, her father died. At her next ophthalmic field test appointment, her doctor tearfully shared the results. 

 “I was losing vision in my right eye, too. They still don’t know why,” Jordan said, who was now facing an uncertain future. “Who’s going to teach me how to be blind?”

One day, Jordan was out for a bite to eat when she encountered the kindness of a stranger, who was associated with the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA). The stranger, who noticed Jordan’s white cane, offered to connect her with VA Augusta Blind Rehab Specialist Lisa Hardy.

Blind Rehabilitation Center 

“My whole world changed when I walked into the Blind Rehabilitation Center. It felt like being back in the military,” Jordan noted. “Up at 6 a.m., medications, vitals, appointments — it gave me structure and a sense of purpose.” 

Jordan credits the dedicated staff at the center for her remarkable progress. 

“Rachel Hansen taught me orientation and mobility — I learned to navigate neighborhoods, stop lights, and I was blindfolded, going up and down stairs, truly understanding how to be blind. Chuck Genoe introduced me to computers and technology that talked to me, like the keyboard, Fusion, and Excel. Lindsey Turner had me in the wood shop with goggles on, and I even made a rug!”

The transition wasn't seamless. 

“Don't get me wrong, I cried a lot,” Jordan admits. "(The blindness) was a massive change to my life. Psychology was there in case you go into a dark place, and with the support of Dexter (Durrante), Yolanda (Burris), and the entire team, I found my way through."

Jordan also found solace in the center's administrative staff, including Sandy Dilts, Paul Whitten, Ashley Boyer, and Diana McMenemy, who ensured a safe, clean environment where every question was answered. 

“They made sure all Veterans were cared for, and their presence was invaluable to my journey.”

Whitten, the Chief of the Blind Rehabilitation Center at VA Augusta, noted this year was his last White Cane Day event as he will retire in December 2025 after four decades of public service: “Every 10 minutes, someone becomes visually impaired, and VA deems it a catastrophic disability.”

Whitten went on to reflect on how many people may take the devastating news and attempt suicide or become a couch potato so as not to burden anyone else with their needs. He recognized the Veterans in the audience for their heroism in fighting through and continuing to give back to the world.

“I was there for 5 weeks, and it felt like a vacation,” said Jordan. “I didn’t want to leave.”

Jordan's story is one of resilience and renewal, a shining testament to the unyielding human spirit. Through the support of VA Augusta’s Blind Rehabilitation staff and her own determined will, she has reclaimed her life and continues to inspire those around her.  

You are not alone

“Blind Vet: Now What?”, VA Augusta’s locally produced podcast designed to support Veterans experiencing vision loss, is reaching an ever-expanding audience across the nation – and overseas.

“Vision loss represents a major life adjustment, and it can feel daunting,” said Ashley Boyer, the VA Augusta blind rehabilitation specialist who launched the podcast in 2024. “We’re thrilled to see our podcast resonate with so many Veterans experiencing vision loss. It speaks to their demand for accessible and supportive content.”

The impact of the podcast hosted by Boyer and Blind Rehab colleague Rebecca Foley, has even stretched across borders, attracting audiences in Europe and Canada. This international reach underscores the relevance of topics tailored to individuals experiencing vision loss.

“When we created the podcast, we knew there was a need for this kind of resource,” said Boyer. “But knowing that people in England and Austria are listening is both surprising and exciting. It deepens the already strong connection and understanding within the blind Veteran community.”

“Blind Vet: Now What?” can be found on all major podcast platforms.

VA Secretary Doug Collins promoted the podcast on social media here during a visit to VA Augusta’s Blind Rehab Center in August 2025.