Reclaiming independence through blind rehabilitation

For John Mocko, losing his vision didn’t mean losing purpose.  

In 1970, Mocko was 21 years old and attending the Air Force Academy. After suffering severe injuries from a car crash, Mocko lost sight in one eye. He had to adjust to life with different vision, determined to continue with his studies. 

“They graduated me but wouldn’t commission me,” said Mocko. “It was a devastating blow. The idea of being unable to serve was almost unbearable.”  

Determined to serve his country, he appealed the Air Force’s decision. His persistence paid off, and two years after his accident, he was commissioned as an Air Force officer and later served as a ballistic missile systems analyst in the intelligence community. 

“Getting that commission felt like reclaiming my future,” said Mocko. “I fought hard for the chance to serve; I wasn’t going to let that accident stop me.” 

Adapting to vision loss 

In December 2023, after 53 years of living with limited vision, Mocko faced a new and daunting challenge. A series of surgeries intended to save his sight ultimately left him visually impaired in both eyes. 

“I could only see shapes within three feet, and everything was blurred,” Mocko recalls. “It was like the world was closing in on me. The sight loss would have been overwhelming without my faith in God’s presence with me.” 

With his vision compromised, the impact on his daily life became undeniable. 

“I couldn’t drive anymore,” said Mocko. “I lost the ability to use technology to do my jobs. Everything I knew how to do was suddenly out of reach.” 

However, Mocko refused to let his circumstances define him. When a fellow Veteran introduced him to resources available for Veterans who are blind, Mocko felt hope. 

“He told me how the Blinded Veterans Association and VA helped him,” said Mocko. “He helped me connect with Vision Impairment Service Team coordinator Tiege Rugland.”  

In her role at Grand Junction VA Medical Center, Rugland facilitates access to specialty equipment and services. This includes talking devices such as blood pressure cuffs, glucometers, watches, specialty magnifiers, UV sunglasses, and smartphone and tablet training. 

“I am so grateful for Tiege,” said Mocko. “She helped me apply for and access the Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Tucson, Arizona.” 

A comprehensive program of support 

At the BRC, Mocko learned to navigate his new world. From orientation and mobility training to using assistive technology, he began to reclaim his independence. 

“They gave me the tools to live my life again,” Mocko said, reflecting on his time at the BRC. “I learned how to use a white cane, cook safely and manage my finances with adaptive technology. They provided me with an iPhone and a tablet. They took care of everything.” 

The BRC also supported Mocko’s wife, helping her understand his new limitations and how to best assist him.  

“They even gave her glasses that mimicked what I could see—or rather, couldn’t see,” said Mocko. “It was a profound experience for both of us.” 

Mocko left the BRC with new skills and a strengthened sense of purpose. 

“I realized that while I may have lost my vision, I hadn’t lost my ability to live a full life,” he said. “The BRC helped me stay independent, contribute and find joy daily.” 

The BRC’s comprehensive program covers five key areas to assist Veterans: orientation and mobility, living skills, low vision, technology and manual skills. 

“The BRC taught me more than I ever thought I could do,” he said. “They helped me realize again, as I’ve done before, that I can work through this. I can master my circumstances.” 

The road ahead 

Now 74, Mocko continues to work as a life coach and manages a program providing education and debt relief for North and South Carolina pastors.  

“Losing my sight has limited some of what I can do, but it hasn’t stopped me,” he said. “I’m confident I can manage this loss and enjoy a happy and successful life thanks to VA and the BRC.” 

For Veterans experiencing vision loss, VA’s Blind Rehabilitation Service offers a lifeline, providing the skills and support needed to lead fulfilling lives. 

“Give it a shot,” Mocko advises other Veterans who may be hesitant to seek help. “You’ll be moved to tears by what you can do; I know I was. You might find you can do more than you ever thought possible.” 

VA is the first and only national health care system to integrate rehabilitation services for patients with vision loss into its health benefits.  

Any VA provider may refer Veterans with vision impairment affecting their daily quality of life to the Vision Impairment Service Team. Learn more about the VA’s Blind Rehabilitation Services.

Jesus Flores is a writer and editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force and a Marine Corps Veteran.