Low vision rehabilitation strategies for occupational therapists

Collins, B; Collins, ND

Abstract

Adults with low vision can experience significant restrictions
in occupational participation (Dahlin Ivanoff et al 2002) and
consequent impacts on wellbeing (Sloan et al 2005). As up to
one in five service users over the age of 70 is likely to experience
low vision (Fight For Sight 2015), occupational therapists
need to consider the potential impact of low vision on daily
occupations and be able to implement strategies to increase
safety and occupational performance. Despite the prevalence
of low vision, many occupational therapists feel ill-equipped to
specifically intervene in issues caused by sight loss (Campion
et al 2010). This interactive workshop, drawn from research
evidence and many years’ experience, will demonstrate key
strategies to assess and support people with low vision.
Strategies include the use of eccentric fixation, lighting, low
vision aid usage, the management of poor contrast sensitivity
and avoiding glare. These approaches will be discussed in the
context of practice, particularly with older people. This session
will enable participants to recognise low vision and its impacts
on daily function and identify appropriate strategies to use in
practice, typically in the context of other age-related impairment.
Occupational therapists have an important role to augment
current vision rehabilitation services and address any restriction
in performance due to visual impairment, thereby promoting
better function for older clients.

Citation

Collins, B., & Collins, N. Low vision rehabilitation strategies for occupational therapists. Presented at RCOT 2018, Belfast Waterfront, Northern Ireland

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: RCOT 2018
• Conference Location: Belfast Waterfront, Northern Ireland
• End Date: Jun 13, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Aug 1, 2018
• Publication Date: Jun 12, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jul 10, 2020
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022618789846
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022618789846
• Related Public URLs: https://www.rcot.co.uk/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference