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Low Vision Assessment and Rehabilitation

L. David Ormerod, MD
Susan Mussatt, RN

Overview

This case reviews diabetic retinopathy and its management. The main purpose is to describe low vision assessment and rehabilitation in a patient with markedly impaired vision.

The case is intended for low vision specialists, rehabilitation professionals, ophthalmologists and optometrists, and for patients with low vision and their families who desire a better understanding of how patients with visual impairment can be helped to use the remaining vision to its maximum potential.

Objectives

• Achieve a reasonable understanding of several aspects of diabetic retinopathy and its management.
• Comprehend the psychosocial considerations of a patient in employment faced with visual loss and loss of independence.
• Understand the necessary components of a low vision assessment and their significance.
• Understand the use of environmental modifications, the principles underlying the selection of specific low vision aids, and the use of adaptive computing solutions.
• Appreciate the role of state agencies for blindness rehabilitation and understand the fiscal environment for rehabilitation.
• Grasp the concepts underlying the multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive low vision, vocational rehabilitation, diabetes education for the visually impaired.

The authors express their sincere thanks to the Pearle Vision Foundation for their generous contribution which made possible the creation of this Low Vision site, an endeavor consonant with the committment of Pearle Vision to all individuals with vision problems. We are grateful to the Pearle Vision Foundation for their support and help with this project. The opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily represent those of Pearle Vision.

The authors also express their gratitude for support for this project from Optelec, a company offering solutions for people with low vision. The opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily represent those of Optelec.