Low Vision and the Role of Occupational Therapy
What is Low Vision?
Low vision is a visual impairment, not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, that interferes with a person's ability to perform everyday activities. The most common causes of low vision are age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. People can also be born with conditions such as albinism or optic nerve damage that can result in low vision. Low vision can have an impact on people of all ages.
OT Role
There are many low vision devices available that can increase safety and independence for individuals with low vision. Contact your local Occupational Therapist or Canadian National Institute For The Blind (CNIB) centre for more information on which products may help you or your family member.
Helpful Devices
Talking devices: Weight scale, blood pressure monitor, pedometer, watch, timer, alarm clock
Low vision apps: Voice Over, BlindSquare for Navigation, Money Reader to identify currency, Voice Dream Reader, Uber, BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download), etc.
Other devices: Magnification devices, electronic devices, computer-access software, and other access and mainstream technologies are used to help people with low vision maximize their remaining vision or learn alternative ways to do things, such as using their sense of touch or their sense of hearing.
Prevention
Few people realize that 75 per cent of vision loss can be treated or prevented.
By visiting an eye care professional regularly, we increase our chances of getting a diagnosis if we have an eye disease. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the opportunity to minimize vision loss.
You can also help to avoid vision loss by making simple lifestyle changes like wearing UV-protective sunglasses all year round, taking vitamins, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, controlling diabetes and maintaining a healthy diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and dark, leafy greens.
Resources
CNIB
For more information on types of common eye conditions, visit CNIB website .
CNIB's vital services include:
- rehabilitation and support
- an extensive range of helpful CNIB products that can make life with vision loss easier
- and one of the world's largest libraries for people who are unable to read traditional print
Other Resources
- Living with Low Vision Guide
Note: You can order a print copy of this and it comes with a companion DVD - OT Interventions for Adults with Low Vision
- Occupational Therapy and Vision Loss: Assistive Technology for older adults
