Intro to Low Vision Part 1

Debra Bennett

Debra Bennett has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The content and format of this course is presented without commercial bias and does not claim superiority of any commercial product or service.

Course Description

Most people experience normal changes in vision as they age, which can usually be corrected with standard prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, age‐related eye diseases, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetes or glaucoma, can result in vision impairment. This loss of vision may mean a loss of independence and diminished quality of life for some older Americans. Impaired vision can range from partial sight to total blindness.

According to the New York Lighthouse Low Vision Services National Survey On Vision Loss, approximately 120,000 Americans are either totally blind or can experience light perception only; three million more report an inability to read regular newsprint, a common criterion for defining severe vision impairment.

Given the increasing numbers of older Americans, the problems associated with low vision clearly need to be addressed. For a growing number of eye care professionals, low vision dispensing is a career path well worth pursuing.

Course Objectives

• Identify the low vision patient
• Describe how visual acuity and visual fields are measured
• Identify at least four diseases which can lead to vision impairment
• Describe the symptoms associated with at least four diseases which can lead to vision impairment
• Describe how magnification is able to help the vision impaired patient