Occupational Therapy for Low Vision

by Cheryl Hall on February 1st, 2019

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
  • About Me

    Cheryl Hall
    Occupational Therapist
    Maryland, United States

    Welcome to a site devoted to sharing experience, knowledge and resources to make your job of being a great therapist a lot easier.

    I have been an occupational therapist for more than 30 years. I graduated from San Jose State University with degrees in Occupational Therapy, Gerontology, and Early Child Development. My passion is working with adults and children in home health but I have also worked in rehab, sub-acute rehab, hand therapy, transitional living for TBI, and hospital-based outpatient settings.

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