Time for occupational therapists to focus on low vision?

Collins, B; Collins, N

Abstract

The number of adults with sight loss is increasing. It is expected
that, without intervention, the number of vision impaired people
will double between 2000 and 2020 (Bosanquet & Mehta 2008).
Sight loss can result in significant difficulties with activities of
daily living (Warren 2011) and associated emotional difficulties
(Evans et al 2007). Most adults with sight loss are older people
who may have other age-related disability.
Historically, occupational therapy services may have addressed
age related disability, but have not focused on issues directly
arising from sight loss (Warren 2011). In the UK, people with
low vision have been supported by low vision therapists or
rehabilitation workers, but as the number of these specialists
decreases, who will meet the needs of those with sight loss?
Several authors have argued that occupational therapists are
best placed to provide rehabilitation services for people with
sight loss (e.g. Scheiman et al 2006, Warren 2011). But do we
have the skills to enable occupational performance for those
with low vision? For example, how many occupational therapists
are skilled in low vision aid assessment/prescription, eccentric
viewing or use of tints? How many OTs are trained to teach
orientation and mobility skills for people with sight loss? More
basically, are OTs aware of the range of equipment available to
support people with low vision in daily tasks? Are these specialist
skills or should they be part of any undergraduate curriculum?
Participants will be asked firstly, whether OTs should ordinarily
deliver low vision rehabilitation, and; secondly, if so, what and
how should the specific skills be developed and enhanced?

Citation

Collins, B., & Collins, N. Time for occupational therapists to focus on low vision?. Presented at College of Occupational Therapists 37th Annual Conference and Exhibition, Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), Glasgow, United Kingdom

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: College of Occupational Therapists 37th Annual Conference and Exhibition
• Conference Location: Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), Glasgow, United Kingdom
• End Date: Jun 20, 2013
• Publication Date: Jun 20, 2013
• Deposit Date: Jul 13, 2020
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226130767S101
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226130767S101
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference