Rehabilitation Professionals

What is Low Vision?

If you are an Rehabilitation Teacher, Counselor, Orientation & Mobility Instructor or other rehabilitation professional, you see people who suffer from macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, inoperable cataracts, and other diseases that may cause them to have a certain degree of vision loss. In some cases, there are surgical treatments or medicines that can help alleviate the symptoms of the underlying pathology, but, in many instances, the disease is not treated to the individual's satisfaction. Sufferers may still claim 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 correctable with contacts or traditional eyeglasses, and cannot be cured by surgical or therapeutic treatment, are 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 magnification, defined reduction, and/or contrast-enhancing features, can assist 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 visually impaired patients or clients 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 a 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 and clients seen (slightly visually impaired to severely visually impaired), and other characteristics.

How do I learn more about Low Vision Care?

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 (click here for information and dates). Eschenbach representatives 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).

To learn more about Low Vision Care, you can contact a number of organizations for assistance: American Optometric Association, your State Optometric Association, the American Academy of Optometry, or even your College of Optometry and ask for information regarding Low Vision Care (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).

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. Rehabilitation professionals possess a unique skill set and global view of their clients' needs that often uncover a pronounced need for low vision assistance. Don't leave your low vision clients in the dark, offer low vision care! Your professional reputation will be enhanced and your clients will benefit from a valuable service.

If you choose not to offer Low Vision Care, be sure to refer your visually impaired clients to a specialist who does.