OT’s role with the Low Vision Population

Question 1

Roles within Vision World

Answer 1

• Opthalmologist
• Optometry
• Optician
• Vision Teacher
• Community Resources
• AT Companies
• O&M
• Client
• OT

Question 2

Deficits resulting from low vision

Answer 2

• Everyday Tasks
• Safety
• Psychosocial Affects

Question 3

(Deficits resulting from low vision)

Question 4

Everyday Tasks (Deficits resulting from low vision)

Answer 4

reading, writing, finances, shopping, cooking, watching television, recognizing faces, dressing, grooming, functional mobility within home and community, community integration, social participation, participating in hobbies, etc.

Question 5

Safety (Deficits resulting from low vision)

Answer 5

• Falls: 18% of hip fractures

- Burns

Question 6

Psychosocial of Low Vision

Answer 6

• Reduced Self-esteem
• Reduced Self-Confidence
• Diminished ability to live independently
• Loss of self/role
• Depression

Question 7

Occupational therapist’s role

Answer 7

ADL/IADL training
Home modifications
Activity modifications

Question 8

OTs Role Specifically for LV population:

Answer 8

• Vision Training: Integrate oculomotor activities, saccades, and pursuits into interventions
• Provide the optometrist with critical observations of the client and level of function.
• Assist with compliance of wearing schedules of prisms, patches, and/or glasses.
• Report on improvements in function or complaints/symptoms.

Question 9

Occupational therapy filling the gap for LV

Answer 9

Question 10

Evaluating Visual Function

Answer 10

• Assessment of the remaining visual function is key
• Education opportunity: visual resources they still have, emphasizing what remains rather than what has been lost.
• We are assessing FUNCTIONAL VISUAL SKILLS
• Note: All testing is done with the appropriate refractive correction in place, because uncorrected refractive error can reduce acuity, diminish contrast sensitivity, and give misleading results in central visual fields.