Rehabilitation

 For Seniors with Vision Loss

Vision rehabilitation provides the tools and training to maintain independence after vision loss. This field offers a broad range of professional services, such as low vision evaluation, vision loss counseling, training in independent living skills and orientation and mobility, reading and writing skills, and vocational rehabilitation.

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.

Vision Rehabilitation: Introduction

Betrayed By Our Bodies — Sensory Loss in Aging
For The Record, 19(5), 2007
Sensory loss can diminish the quality of life for older adults, and this article discusses how rehabilitation can help.

Low Vision Rehabilitation: An Introduction
Rehabilitation Professional Journal, Spring 2001
What to expect when undertaking low vision rehabilitation: the low vision exam, functional history, various rehab plans and low vision systems; includes case studies.

Things You Should Know About Getting the Most Out of the Vision Rehabilitation System
VisionAware
Helpful suggestions for navigating the vision rehabilitation system and getting the best possible services.

Special Services to Help Older Persons Experiencing Vision Loss 
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
A brief introduction to vision-related rehabilitation services;available in English and Spanish.

Support Systems for You and Your Older Relative
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
An overview of the assistance available to older adults, including rehabilitation and community support agencies; available in English and Spanish.

Vision Loss Specialists: A Guide to Rehabilitation Assistance and Where to Find It
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
An overview of the specialties of rehabilitation professionals, and how to find them through community vision rehabilitation agencies.

Vision Rehabilitation Services
VisionAware
Vision rehabilitation services: what they are and how to find them.

Vision Rehabilitation Services for Older People who are Visually Impaired
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
The need for and the challenges of providing vision rehabilitation services for older adults.

Vision Rehabilitation: Organizations & Resources to Explore

The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)
As a leading not-for-profit organization and community resource, ABVI adheres to core organizational values in its mission to prepare and empower people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities: Respect, Integrity, Accessibility, Self-determination, Service Excellence, Confidentiality, Development, Communication, Culture and Continuous Improvement.

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Connecting with Vision Rehabilitation Services

Find Senior Services
VisionAware—Senior Site
A resource area specifically for older adults with vision loss—classes, organizations, support groups, and other organizations.

 

Research: Vision Rehabilitation

Estimated Number of Persons Eligible for Vision Rehabilitation Services Under Expanded Medicare
The Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 99(7), 2005
This article considers the estimated number of Medicare beneficiaries who are blind or have low vision and how many are likely to benefit from vision rehabilitation services.

Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Comparison of Traditional and Extended Teaching Programs
The Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 98(10), 2004
This study compares outcomes between a traditional low-vision training program and an extended program for clients with age-related macular degeneration.

Vision Rehabilitation: Care and Benefit Plan Models
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
This literature review explores various service delivery and financing models for vision rehabilitation, and examines evidence on its effectiveness in comparison to rehabilitation for other chronic impairments.

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Vision Rehabilitation Professionals: Advice & Resources

The Low Vision Rehabilitation Service. Part Two: Putting The Program Into Practice
The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice
Assessing low vision, providing clinical services, and establishing an adaptive training and instructional program, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration.

Occupational Therapy Interventions in Low Vision Rehabilitation
Can J Ophthalmol 2006;41:340–7
The importance of including occupational therapy as part of a multi-disciplinary approach to vision rehabilitation.

Vision Rehabilitation for Adults: Preferred Practice Patterns
American Academy of Ophthalmologists
Reducing the impact of vision loss on older adults’ daily lives in order to maintain independence, activity, safety, and life satisfaction.

Vision Rehabilitation for Elderly Individuals with Low Vision or Blindness
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
This 257-page report reviews statistics on need for, use of, and effectiveness of vision rehabilitation services, and examines training and practice guidelines.

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