Low Vision

Three Main Interventions for General Vision

• Magnification (BIG)

  • Magnifying glass, digital device, large font (16+)

• Contrast (BOLD)

  • Using Light background for dark objects

• Illumination (Bright)

  • Natural light is best, not fluorescent, control glare

We may also considerate:

• Environmental modification

  • Ex: reduce clutter, background (plaid shirt)

• Sensory substitution

  • Ex: Use touch to compensate

Contrast

• Visual impairment affect the ability to separate foreground and background colors

  • To increase contrast

    • Place light-colored objects on a dark background

      • Ex: placing white washcloth on a dark countertop

    • Solid colors should be used for background surface

    • Decrease clutter

    • VERY BRIGHT COLORS should be avoided

Illumination

• Clients with low vision need more light

  • Lighting options should be

    • Adjustable (adjustable lights

    • Natural lighting is best

    • LED lights

    • Ambient lighting

    • *Be aware if glare (glare filters, shades, etc)

Sensory substitution

• We help people use touch to compensate for limited vision

• Useful for function and safety

Vision: Help not heal

• We only focus on compensating, adapting etc to work around their deficits

Vision Loss: ADLs

• Dressing

  • Clothing identification

    • Raised dots, safety pins

    • Grouping similar clothes

  • Appearance

    • Wrinkle free, stain-resistance fabrics

Vision Loss: Feeding

• Plate orientation

  • Clock method

  • Caregiver orientation

  • Contrast plate, utensils and glass to table

• Pouring

  • Finger over the rim cup

Vision Loss: Reading & Writing

• Writting

  • Boundary guide

  • High contrast writing utensils ( ex: black felt pen)

• Reading

  • Magnification

Vision Loss: Medication management

• Identifying Meds

  • Magnifiers

  • Large, high-contrast labels

  • Tactile markings

  • Prescription bottle reader

Vision Loss: Phone Use

• Dialing

  • Tactile buttons

  • Large buttons

  • Speed dial

  • Voice activated phones

Vision Loss: Money Handling

• Bill identification

  • Folding system

  • Credit Card

Vision Loss: Mobility

• Trailing

  • Hands are used to lightly trail an object or smooth surface

  • Arm should be straight (not rigid) and down in a diagonal

• Sighted Guidig

  • Caregiver stand half step behind

  • Hold arm above elbow and guides to destination

Ophthalmologist & Optometrist

We don’t dignose vision issues, but we do screen for them

• If the screen suggest vision problems, we REFER to an optometrist/opthamolist

  • This happens BEFORE INTERVENTION

  • We dont mess with Glasses, we just encourage to wear them

Question 1

A client with significant central vision loss struggles with preparing meals. They often miss ingredients on the counter and spill liquids when pouring. Which of the following combined interventions would be most effective and appropriate first for addressing these challenges?

A. Providing a voice-activated smart kitchen assistant and teaching a unique folding system for money management.
B. Encouraging the use of a powerful magnifying glass for all tasks and suggesting the client rely solely on tactile identification of food items.
C. Ensuring light-colored objects are placed on a dark countertop, using a solid-colored cutting board, and teaching the "finger-over-the-rim" pouring technique.
D. Referring immediately to an ophthalmologist and providing a large-button phone for emergency use.

Question 2

A therapist is setting up a new home environment for a client with low vision. When advising on kitchen modifications, which of the following recommendations, if implemented, would least likely enhance visual function for the client?

A. Replacing patterned tablecloths with solid, dark-colored ones.
B. Installing adjustable LED task lighting over the main preparation area.
C. Suggesting the use of plastic plates and cups in "very bright" neon colors for easy visibility.
D. Encouraging the client to use a dark-colored oven mitt when handling light-colored bakeware.

Question 3

During an initial assessment, an occupational therapist notes that a client reports worsening blurry vision and difficulty reading even with their current prescription glasses. The client asks if the therapist can adjust their glasses or provide a stronger pair. What is the most appropriate next step for the occupational therapist?

A. Proceed with vision rehabilitation interventions, focusing on magnification and high-contrast materials, and then reassess the need for optical correction.
B. Instruct the client to try using their existing glasses with a handheld magnifier for all reading tasks.
C. Refer the client to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination before initiating any further vision-specific interventions.
D. Advise the client to purchase over-the-counter reading glasses with a higher power to see if it resolves their reading difficulties.

Question 4

A client with severe vision loss is attempting to navigate from their living room to the kitchen, a path they are unfamiliar with due to recent furniture rearrangement. They are alone at home. Which adaptive mobility technique would be most appropriate and safe for them to use immediately in this situation?

A. Practicing sighted guiding by holding onto the arm of an imaginary helper.
B. Using the trailing technique along a wall or consistent surface while maintaining proper arm position.
C. Attempting to memorize the new furniture arrangement by visualizing the path before moving.
D. Calling for assistance and waiting for a caregiver to return home to guide them.