In February, the U. S. National Eye Institute raises awareness of low vision and highlights the day-to-day impact for patients. The most common causes of low vision include aged-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. NEI predicts that the number of people in the U. S. impacted by these four conditions will double by 2050. The NEI web site offers free educational and training resources for patients, care givers and health professionals.
Occupational therapy plays an important role in assisting low vision patients maintain their independence and their ability to enjoy their favorite activities. OTs can assess patients and then recommend and teach environmental adjustments, task modifications as well as compensatory techniques. The Occupational Therapy Toolkit includes a number of low vision treatment guides and patient education handouts. Samples of some of my favorite strategies are included below.
Enjoy!
Cheryl Hall, OT
Author, Occupational Therapy Toolkit
| Occupational Therapy for Low Vision | ||
| Environmental Adjustments | ||
| Lighting | Adjust task lighting below eye level | |
| Glare | Recommend sheers, blinds or light filtering shades | |
| Safety | Assess for tripping hazards | |
| Task Modifications | ||
| Communication | Teach eccentric viewing, scanning and page orientation techniques | |
| Medication | Use dark colored tray with lip when organizing medications | |
| Money | Teach how to pay bills by phone | |
| Mobility | Practice counting the steps between locations in the home | |
| Eating and cooking | Recommend cutting boards in a variety of colors to contrast with food | |
| Recreation | Teach how to download digital audio books from the public library | |
| Compensatory Techniques | ||
| Using the other senses | Coach to recognize changes in floor covering | |
| Distinguishing objects | Use magnetic letters on canned goods | |
| Use of contrast | Outline steps, switch plates or doorways with colored tape | |
| Labeling and marking | Recommend raised plastic dots to mark settings on appliances | |
