Presents an emerging model in which occupational therapists practice as part of a team of vision rehabilitation professionals serving adults with low vision. Occupational therapists offer a unique contribution to the vision rehabilitation team, with a focus on meaningful occupational goals, the incorporation of occupation into therapy, and the orchestration of environmental, social, and non-visual personal factors into a treatment plan. The authors have developed a practical and straightforward text outlining an evaluation approach to interventions that focus on recovering occupational performance in adults.

.this book represents a real milestone for low vision care because it is one of the first low vision books in the world, and the first from the UK, that doesn't just give lip service to multi-disciplinary collaboration- it has a multi-disciplinary authorship. Barbara Ryan, Research Associate, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK Low Vision Manual is a comprehensive guide and up-to-date reference source, written by clinical and research experts in the fields of disease detection and management; primary and secondary optometric care; low vision optics and prescribing; counselling and rehabilitation. All these areas are explored in this book in four key sections: Section One: Definition of low vision and its epidemiology Section Two: The measurement of visual function of the visually impaired Section Three: The optics and practical tips on prescribing low vision aids Section Four: Rehabilitation strategies and techniques This is an important reference tool for all professionals involved with the visually impaired. The book covers everything a practitioner will need on a day-to-day basis. Clear layout with practical tips, worked examples and practical pearls will enable the front-line eye-care professional to provide patients with sound, research-based clinical care and rehabilitation. An essential reference for: . Ophthalmology . Optometry . Orthoptics . Ophthalmic nursing . Visual rehabilitation . Occupational therapy . Social work . Peer work . Psychology . Dispensing opticians

"Foundations of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy continues the legacy of Paul Ponchillia and Sue Ponchillia's seminal work Foundations of Rehabilitation Teaching with Persons Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired. After it was published in 1996, that book quickly established itself as an essential reference for vision rehabilitation professionals. Foundations of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy builds on that important work, reflecting changes in terminology and technology, while also incorporating best practices based on the past decades of evidence. It reflects the contemporary understanding of adult learning and skill building, providing proven techniques to help people with visual impairments develop skills and gain confidence that will equip them to lead independent, fulfilling lives"--

Foundations of Low Vision: Clinical and Functional Perspectives, the ground-breaking text that highlighted the importance of focusing on the functional as well as the clinical implications of low vision, has been completely updated and expanded in this second edition. The revised edition goes even further in its presentation of how best to assess and support both children and adults with low vision and plan programs and services that optimize their functional vision and ability to lead productive and satisfying lives, based on individuals' actual abilities. Part 1, Personal and Professional Perspectives, provides the foundations of this approach, with chapters focused on the anatomy of the eye, medical causes of visual impairment, optics and low vision devices, and clinical low vision services, as well as psychological and social implications of low vision and the history of the field. Part 2 focuses on children and youths, providing detailed treatment of functional vision assessment, instruction, use of low vision devices, orientation and mobility, and assistive technology. Part 3 presents rehabilitation and employment issues for working-age adults and special considerations for older adults.

Assistive technology has made it feasible for individuals with a wide range of impairments to engage in many activities, such as education and employment, in ways not previously possible. The key factor is to create consumer-driven technologies that solve the problems by addressing the needs of persons with visual impairments. Assistive Technology for Blindness and Low Vision explores a broad range of technologies that are improving the lives of these individuals. Presenting the current state of the art, this book emphasizes what can be learned from past successful products, as well as what exciting new solutions the future holds. Written by world-class leaders in their field, the chapters cover the physiological bases of vision loss and the fundamentals of orientation, mobility, and information access for blind and low vision individuals. They discuss technology for multiple applications (mobility, wayfinding, information access, education, work, entertainment), including both established technology and cutting-edge research. The book also examines computer and digital media access and the scientific basis for the theory and practice of sensory substitution. This volume provides a holistic view of the elements to consider when designing assistive technology for persons with visual impairment, keeping in mind the need for a user-driven approach to successfully design products that are easy to use, well priced, and fill a specific need. Written for a broad audience, this book provides a comprehensive overview and in-depth descriptions of current technology for designers, engineers, practitioners, rehabilitation professionals, and all readers interested in the challenges and promises of creating successful assistive technology.

The ability to see deeply affects how human beings perceive and interpret the world around them. For most people, eyesight is part of everyday communication, social activities, educational and professional pursuits, the care of others, and the maintenance of personal health, independence, and mobility. Functioning eyes and vision system can reduce an adult's risk of chronic health conditions, death, falls and injuries, social isolation, depression, and other psychological problems. In children, properly maintained eye and vision health contributes to a child's social development, academic achievement, and better health across the lifespan. The public generally recognizes its reliance on sight and fears its loss, but emphasis on eye and vision health, in general, has not been integrated into daily life to the same extent as other health promotion activities, such as teeth brushing; hand washing; physical and mental exercise; and various injury prevention behaviors. A larger population health approach is needed to engage a wide range of stakeholders in coordinated efforts that can sustain the scope of behavior change. The shaping of socioeconomic environments can eventually lead to new social norms that promote eye and vision health. Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative: Vision for Tomorrow proposes a new population-centered framework to guide action and coordination among various, and sometimes competing, stakeholders in pursuit of improved eye and vision health and health equity in the United States. Building on the momentum of previous public health efforts, this report also introduces a model for action that highlights different levels of prevention activities across a range of stakeholders and provides specific examples of how population health strategies can be translated into cohesive areas for action at federal, state, and local levels.

The purpose of this textbook is to define and describe the occupational therapy approach to low vision rehabilitation using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 2nd ed. (AOTA, 2008) as the guide to evaluation and intervention. Although this textbook focuses on the older adult with acquired age-related vision loss, the principles of low vision rehabilitation are applicable to all ages.

This book details the background on the history and development of rehabilitation teaching and provides practical information and instructional strategies. Proven techniques are described for working with individuals with adventitious or congenital visual impairments, as well as strategies for teaching basic living skills. Included are chapters on each of the skill areas taught by rehabilitation teachers; detailed, step-by-step lesson plans for specific skills in each area; and valuable sample forms for assessing and planning the needs and course of instruction for new clients.

Rehabilitation professionals have long recognized that the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired are unique and require a special knowledge and expertise for the provision and coordination of effective rehabilitation services. Contributions to this text from more than 25 experts provide essential information on subjects such as functional, medical, vocational and psychological assessments; demographic and cultural issues; placement and employment issues; and the rehabilitation team. Each chapter includes a Learning Activities section that can be used in class assignments or during in-service training. Sample forms, such as a Job Analysis Worksheet, a Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation System Protocol, an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program, and a Work Environment Visual Demands Report are included in the appendices. An extensive glossary provides easy access to clear definitions of terms.

Continually updated by a faculty of leading opthalmologists in academia and practice, the titles in the 'Basic and Clinical Science Course' series provide a source of up-to-date clinical knowledge for practitioners.