How Occupational Therapy Can Help Low Vision

Low Vision Therapy

Many older adults experience vision changes that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery because of eye conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and others. These conditions can make it difficult to complete daily tasks, but occupational therapy can help.

Four Ways Occupational Therapy Can Help

Occupational therapy is a skilled health, rehabilitation and educational service that helps patients participate in what they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (i.e. occupations). Specifically, occupational therapists can help low-vision sufferers with:

• Preventing accidents and injuries
  Recommending effective lighting for a specific areas and activities, identifying potential hazards and offering solutions, and demonstrating alternative methods for performing tasks and activities to enhance safety.
• Developing new skills
  Learning to use the remaining vision more efficiently and effectively with eccentric viewing, visual tracking and visual scanning techniques.
• Modifying tasks or environments
  Encouraging the use of adapted equipment, tailored to individual needs and providing training for low-vision tools (e.g. magnifies) to improve function ability.
• Promoting a healthy and satisfying lifestyle
  Providing a holistic approach that helps with engaging in activities, from basic daily living activities to recreational and leisure activities.

Getting Started with Occupational Therapy

Those who experience low vision should contact their physician, optometrist or ophthalmologist for a referral for occupational therapy. The referring physician may also be able to recommend occupational therapists.

We have received many patients from physicians outside of our community because we are able to treat residents in Carroll County and surrounding counties .

Most private health insurance programs cover occupational therapy for disabilities, including low vision. Medicare extended coverage for low vision rehabilitation services, provided by occupational therapists, to all beneficiaries in 2002 if referred by an optometrist or physician.

Learn more about CLV’s Rehabilitation services and occupational therapy. If you have any questions about our services, call 443-605-4137.