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As the incidence of individuals who are visually impaired increases, so does the demand for basic and advanced low vision services. Primary care optometrists are often the first resource for these patients and may be able to improve their daily function by recommending the appropriate adaptive tools and strategies or by identifying those who should be referred for specialty services. This course reviews the terminology and classification of vision impairment, presents some of the basic elements of a low vision evaluation and through case examples provides the clinician strategies for examining and prescribing for these patients. 1.Review the definition of legal blindness, visual impairment, and qualifications for social security disability according to the Social Security Act. 2. Identify patients who may be able to be provided basic vision rehabilitation in a primary care setting, and to identify those who should be referred for specialty services. 3. Describe the basics of a low vision evaluation and management strategies for patients who are mildly visually impaired and to correlate prescribing strategies with clinical cases. |
