Low vision rehabilitation—maintaining independence and quality of life

Vision loss is becoming a major public health concern in the United States. Approximately 2.9 million Americans age 40 and over are blind or have low vision, a visual impairment not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Low vision can have an impact on a person's physical and mental health, leading to an increased risk of falls and to feelings of depression, frustration, helplessness, and disbelief. Low vision can also impact a person's social interactions and their ability to navigate the environment. While vision that has been lost usually cannot be restored, vision rehabilitation services can help people with low vision make the most of their remaining vision. Participants attending this session will learn about the benefits of vision rehabilitation and the importance of referring patients to a specialist in low vision. This specialist is the cornerstone of a team that includes occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, certified low vision therapists, assistive technology trainers, counselors, and social workers. Participants will learn the role these diverse team members play in helping patients to regain or maintain their independence by teaching skills and strategies for traveling safely, taking care of a home, meeting career objectives, and enjoying leisure activities. In addition, participants will learn about new resources from the National Eye Health Education Program of the National Eye Institute, designed to educate people with low vision and their friends and families about vision rehabilitation and to encourage professionals to refer patients with low vision to a specialist.