What can vision rehab do?
Improve Reading
Optical devices to enlarge text and increase contrast expand reading ability. Vision therapy can improve eccentric viewing (EV), a technique to move blind spots out of the way, and can improve scanning abilities.
- Prism glasses
- Vision therapy--eccentric viewing (EV)
- Closed circuit television (CCTV)
Driver Rehabilitation
Dispensing of optical technologies coupled with extensive training provides a comprehensive dirvers rehabilitation program.
Returning to driving in a safe manner is often possible with today's technoglogies in vision rehabilitation. Detailed evaluation of visual acuity, visual fields, ocular-motor skills, binocular vision, visual attention, visual figure-ground, and visual memory are all of equal importance. All of the components should be at their maximum possible level through vision rehabilitation to optimize safety on the road. Dispensing of optical technologies coupled with extensive training provides a comprehensive driver rehabilitation program.
Return to Work
Vocational rehabilitation, digital magnifiers, and specialized software can help some patients return to work.
Improve Walking and Balance
Prism lenses, visual field expanders, and therapy stabilize vision. Dizziness and resultant falls are minimized.
Visual distortions of space secondary to eye or neurological diseases affect walking and balance. Prism lenses coupled with therapy techniques stabilize vision and fill in gaps where blind spots may be. Dizziness and resultant falls are minimized. Individuals experiencing a stumbling or staggering gait from such conditions as stroke, retinitis pigmentosa, Parkinson's, and glaucoma should be evaluated by a low vision specialist
- Visual field expanders (improve scanning)
- Yoked prisms
- Stabilize binocular vision
Help with Activities of Daily Living
Few people want to give up their independence. Vision rehabilitation can help individuals gain some independence and quality of life by allowing them to perform daily activities made difficult by loss of vision. Training with optical devices for ADLs (activities of daily living) is best done in the home or in a simulated home environment. The IU School of Optometry Low Vision Rehabilitation Services staff works with organizations that provide in-home or simulated training.
- Cooking
- Medicine administration
Hobbies and Activities
Low vision rehabilitation can be tailored to meet the demands of any hobby or activity (e.g., piano, painting, sports, nature).
Children and Learning
Help is available for visually impaired children who need assistance in vision information processing and vision-related learning disorders.
Visually impaired children can experience the same vision-related learning disorders as normally-sighted children. A unique situation occurs at the Indiana University School of Optometry eye care centers in that they offer low vision rehabilitation services as well evaluation and treatment for vision information processing and vision-related learning disorders. Complete vision rehabilitation for children is possible under one roof.
