Low Vision Rehabilitation

Low Vision Rehabilitation and Therapy

Low vision refers to permanent vision loss that cannot be corrected by conventional glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, making it difficult for you to get by in life. This ongoing difficulty can have psychological effects for those dealing with low vision that can manifest in several different ways if left unaddressed.

Low vision rehabilitation at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) can help you manage the symptoms and effects of low vision, and allow you to lead a more independent, higher quality life.

What Can Lead to Low Vision?

Numerous eye issues can lead to permanent vision loss, but it is most commonly caused by macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

What Is Low Vision Rehab?

Whereas traditional eye care addresses the actual causes of eye conditions, vision rehabilitation addresses the consequences of eye conditions.

While low vision rehabilitation cannot restore sight, it can help you learn ways to use your remaining vision to its maximum potential. This may be accomplished by one or more of the following means:

• Learning to use residual vision more efficiently; this may include instruction in the use of “off-center” vision to see more clearly.
• Learning to use special optical devices such as magnifiers, close-focus spectacles, or telescopes; learning to use “high-tech” devices such as electronic video magnifiers; and/or learning to utilize smartphones, tablets, and computers to access information.
• Learning to use alternative methods, such as better lighting or auditory techniques, to perform visual tasks

DMEI’s Low Vision Services

The Vision Rehabilitation Clinic offers help for adult patients with permanent vision loss.

First, a comprehensive low vision evaluation is performed. This involves an assessment of your visual history and visual goals, as well as a review of your ocular and general health history. This is followed by a complete low vision examination that tests a number of the components of your vision. The findings of the interview and testing help predict the vision aids and devices from which you will most likely benefit. Exploration of these will then be initiated, and in most cases, additional rehabilitation is planned.

The next step involves low vision rehabilitation sessions with an occupational therapist and/or other rehabilitation professionals, typically carried out at NewView Oklahoma, a privately-funded non-profit organization with offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. This step provides training in the effective use of your remaining vision and instruction in adaptive skills, as well as training in the use of low vision aids and devices allowing you to maintain or improve independence and the ability to carry out daily living activities in spite of permanent vision loss.

Additional referrals and information regarding state-funded programs and other services available for visually impaired individuals may also be considered.

Dean McGee Low Vision Therapist

Rebecca K. Morgan, MD provides low vision rehabilitation consultations at our main Oklahoma Health Center location. Click here to learn more about her.