Referring low-vision patients (those with visual acuities less than 20/40 or scotomas, field loss or contrast loss) to vision rehabilitation services connects them with services that lessen the impact of their vision loss, and improves their independence and quality of life. Joseph Fontenot, MD, Chair of the Academy’s Vision Rehabilitation committee, led the production of the following six-minute video, titled “There is Something Else You Can Do.” Introduced by David W. Parke II, MD, Academy CEO, this video emphasizes the impact of vision loss on the individual and the responsibility of the ophthalmologist to refer or provide vision rehabilitation. With advances in technology, modern vision rehabilitation can help most patients with any degree of vision loss. Provision of, or referral to, vision rehabilitation is now the standard of care for all who experience vision loss. Click here for a transcript of the video, courtesy of the American Foundation of the Blind. Additional information, including handouts for patients, can be found below.
Materials for Patients with Low Vision
This handout is for you to give to your patients with low vision. It provides essential tips for making the most of remaining vision and offers a list of resources where patients can locate local vision rehabilitation services using the "Help Near You" directory (if you do not have services or a referral system in place).
Vision Rehabilitation and Vision Loss Materials for Ophthalmologists
If you have questions about the vision rehabilitation information on this page, contact the Academy via e-mail.
Learning Plan on Vision Rehabilitation
This learning plan, developed by members of the Academy's Vision Rehabilitation Committee, reviews tools to identify and manage patients who could benefit from vision rehabilitation services. (5 Self-Assessment AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)
Assistive Technology for Patients with Low Vision
Assistive technologies for the visually impaired have proliferated in recent years, resulting in more available options for patients. This statement provides an overview of recommendations on assistive technology for patients with low vision.
VisionAware
The VisionAware ™ website provides information about living with vision loss, including home adaptations, products, blogs, and connections to local services. The website includes a searchable directory of services available in the US and Canada for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired.
Note Regarding Reimbursement for Occupational Therapy Services
Medicare and most insurers will reimburse for vision rehabilitation provide by Occupational Therapists.
Refer Eligible Students for Spotlight Gateway Assisted-Reading App
Ophthalmologists may refer visually impaired students in the United States to a program that will provide them with free access to the Spotlight Gateway reading application for iPads. Ophthalmologists should submit this form for eligible students.
The Academy is participating in this program in collaboration with Lighthouse Guild, a nonprofit vision and health care organization, and Bookshare, the largest online library of books for people with print reading disabilities.
For more background on the program, read the Academy’s news release and Lighthouse Guild’s information about Spotlight Gateway.
Introduction to Vision Rehabilitation
This course provides an understanding of vision impairment and the vision rehabilitation process. It is a 10-module self-paced course from the Lighthouse Guild, available in English and Spanish, that can be completed in approximately two hours. If you are university-based, check with your Department Chair to see if there is a designated code before logging on to the course. If you do not have a university-based code, access code AAOVR can be entered to enroll in the course. Click here to register for the course