Vision rehabilitation

Vision rehabilitation is a term for a medical/clinical process that seeks to restore functional ability and improve quality of life for those with impairments in vision. An individualized and coordinated approach is important in managing individuals with vision impairment.

Definition

Vision rehabilitation is the process of treatment and education that helps individuals who are visually impaired or blind to attain maximum function, a sense of well-being, a personally satisfying level of independence, and the best possible quality of life.

Purpose

The purpose of vision rehabilitation is to help people with vision loss to maximize their remaining vision and maintain their independence and quality of life.

Process

The process of vision rehabilitation typically includes an evaluation by a low vision specialist, who can provide guidance on various strategies and assistive devices that may help to take advantage of remaining vision. This may be followed by training with a vision rehabilitation therapist, who can teach new ways of doing everyday tasks without relying on vision.

Techniques

Techniques used in vision rehabilitation can include magnification, lighting, contrast enhancement, and non-visual techniques such as tactile or auditory methods.

See also

• Low vision
• Visual impairment
• Blindness
• Vision therapy

External links

• American Academy of Ophthalmology - What is Low Vision?
• National Eye Institute - Low Vision

• Vision rehabilitation
• 
  Gene therapy
• 
  Closed-circuit television (CCTV) for low vision