Characteristics of Low-Vision Rehabilitation Services in the United States

Abstract

Objectives: To describe characteristics of services, providers, and patients in low-vision rehabilitation entities serving adults in the United States.Methods: Entities (excluding Veterans Affairs clinics) were identified through professional associations, Web searches, and a telephone survey to retina practices. A census obtained information on entity types, provider types, rehabilitation services available, and clientele. Surveys were administered by telephone, fax, e-mail, or mail, whichever was preferred by the respondent. Results: A total of 1228 low-vision rehabilitation service entities were identified, with 608 surveyed (49.5% response rate). Almost half (42.7%) were private optometry practices. State agencies had the highest number of clients per week (45.0 clients per week) whereas private optometry practices had the lowest (4.1 clients per week).Most (Ն88.0%) established rehabilitation goals, fit optical aids with basic training, and conducted eye examinations. Scanning, eccentric viewing, orientation and mobility, and advanced device training were less commonly offered (25%-50% of entities). Central vision impairment was the most common deficit (74.1% of clients), with age-related macular degeneration being the most common cause (67.1%). Among the clients, 85.9% had problems reading and 67.7% had problems driving; 44.9% had adjustment disorders. Almost 1 in 3 clients was aged 80 years or older. Conclusion:This census for the first time characterizes usual-care low-vision rehabilitation services in the United States for nonveteran adults.

Adding access to a video magnifier to standard vision rehabilitation: initial results on reading performance and well-being from a prospective, randomized study

“…1 Reading is a priority skill for most individuals and is considered to be an important part of maintaining independence. 2 Magnification plays a major role in addressing the goal of reading for patients with central field loss, such as those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which has been estimated to affect over 1.75 million individuals in the United States.…”

Etiological Evaluation of Patients Who Have Low Vision Aid in Our Region

“…[35][36][37][38] Az görme merkezine başvuran her yaştaki hastaların ele alındığı yurt dışı çalışmalara baktığı-mızda ise Çin'de en sık görülen tanıların sırayla konjenital katarakt, dejeneratif miyopi, genç makuler dejenerasyon ve RP; Amerika Birleşik Devletleri'nde ise AMD olduğu gösterilmiştir. 39,40 Az görme merkezine başvuran çocukların ele alındığı yurt dışı çalışmalara baktığımızda ise Brezilya'da en sık görülen tanıların sırasıyla konjenital katarakt, Toksoplazma ve glokom; Yeni Zelanda'da serebral nedenler, optik atrofi ve retinal distrofi; Pakistan'da nistagmus, Stargardt, makülopati, dejeneratif miyopik makülopati, okülokutanöz albinizm ve Nijerya'da da optik atrofi ve albinizmin ilk sıralarda olduğu bildirilmiştir. [41][42][43][44] Az gören hastalarda tanı dağılımını inceleyen çalışmalarda, sonuçların birbirinden farklılıklar gösterdiği görülmektedir.…”

Impact of Vision Impairment on Intensity of Occupational Therapy Utilization and Outcomes in Subacute Rehabilitation

“…One such intervention approach could entail the implementation of a low vision self-management program through which patients could receive a low vision exam and training in assistive device use and activities of daily living (ADLs) that may be specifically compromised by vision (e.g., meal and financial management). Occupational therapists may effectively facilitate the use of such interventions not only because they represent one of the main providers of service in rehabilitation hospitals and subacute care units but also because they frequently provide low vision rehabilitation services in these settings as well as in the community (Owsley, McGwin, Lee, Wasserman, & Searcey, 2009). This approach could help facilitate patients' engagement in meaningful and purposeful life activities, including ADLs, social participation, work, and leisure activities.…”