Suggestions

Permission for Use

Low Vision Assessment and Rehabilitation

Initial Low Vision Management

Low vision management is a major component of comprehensive vision rehabilitation. The ultimate goal of rehabilitation in low vision is to promote the independent functioning of individuals with damaged vision. First we will discuss environmental modifications and then discuss low vision treatment options.

Environmental Modifications

For patients with mild vision loss, simple environmental modifications may be sufficient for the individual to perform daily living tasks. Patients experiencing moderate to severe visual loss will also benefit from environmental modifications, but additionally will need low vision aids to help them function at their maximal visual potential. Next we will discuss four concepts in environmental modifications that can help enhance visual functioning:

• illumination,
• glare,
• contrast,
• figure-ground perception.