If you are an ophthalmic assistant, RN, technician or medical technologist, paraoptometric professional, orthoptist or ophthalmic nurse, you probably are familiar with those suffering from macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, inoperable cataracts, and other diseases that leave patients with a non correctable vision loss. In some cases, there are surgical treatments or medicines that help alleviate the symptoms of the underlying pathology, but in many cases, the disease may not be treated to the patient's satisfaction. The patient may still claim that their vision is not what it once was or that they still having difficulty trying to perform basic visual tasks.
People who have a vision loss that is not able to be corrected with contacts or traditional eyeglasses and/or cannot be cured by surgical or therapeutic treatment, are commonly referred to as having impaired vision or low vision. Due to the underlying eye disease, these patients may experience central vision loss, peripheral vision loss, and/or diminished contrast sensitivity, among other problems.
What are Low Vision Aids?
Fortunately, there are profitable solutions available to assist patients who have impaired vision (or low vision) so they can remain independent and active. Vision aids (or low vision aids) are tools that are available in a variety of types including: spectacle and clip-on magnifiers; hand-held magnifiers; stand magnifiers; telescopes; absorptive filters; CCTVs or video magnifiers; and many non-optical tools such as lighting and reading stands. These vision aids, through their magnification, defined reduction, or contrast-enhancing features, can help the visually impaired with daily activities such as reading, watching television, or paying bills.
What is Low Vision Care?
Eyecare and rehabilitation practitioners who assist their visually impaired patients using an evaluation process, who dispense or recommend vision aids, and who provide training or rehabilitation (among other services) are said to offer Low Vision Care. There are number of different models for offering Low Vision Care, and these vary depending on the number (and type) of practitioners involved, the setting (private practice, hospital, agency, etc.), the range of patients seen (slightly visually impaired to severely visually impaired), and other characteristics.
How do I learn more about Low Vision Care?
To learn more about Low Vision Care, contact your professional organization (Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology, AOA Paraoptometric Section, American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses, etc.) and ask for information regarding Low Vision (click here for the links to major eyecare and rehab organizations). You can also take courses related to Low Vision at professional meetings (click here for the links to major eyecare and rehab organizations). You can also take courses related to Low Vision at numerous professional meetings (click here for upcoming events). In addition, Eschenbach offers a 3-hour continuing education course entitled, "Low Vision Care...What's It All About?", which is offered over 50 times throughout the year in locations throughout the US and Canada, offering CEU's for JCAHPO and ABO members (click here for information and dates). An Eschenbach representative can also meet with you in your office to discuss how you can begin offering Low Vision Care in your practice (click here for more information on the Eschenbach Low Vision Program). Learn as much as you can about this population and low vision services. Low Vision Care is a rapidly increasing sub-specialty in the allied health professions and may be the career fit you are looking for!
Should I offer Low Vision Care?
As the number of people who are visually impaired continues to grow, you should strongly consider offering Low Vision Care. Your professional reputation will be enhanced and your patients will benefit from a valuable (and profitable) service. You will also find that a career with low vision care, as a specialty, will offer unsurpassed professional rewards and satisfaction.
If you choose not offer Low Vision Care, we encourage you to refer your visually impaired patients to an eyecare or rehabilitation professional who does (click here for a link to our "Find a Specialist" page).
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