-
Identify
the low vision patient -
Explain
how visual acuity and visual fields are measured - Name 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 -
Explain how magnification is able to help the vision impaired patient
- Describe three
methods by which magnification can be achieved -
Describe at least three types of optical low vision aids -
Explain
how absorptive lenses can aid a low vision patient - Describe at least
four nonoptical low vision aids -
Describe at lease three nonvisual low vision aids
Brief
Course Description
Introduction
to Low Vision
With age, most people
experience normal changes in vision which can typically be corrected
with standard prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Age-related
eye diseases, however, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetes
or glaucoma, can result in vision impairment and may mean unnecessary
loss of independence and diminished quality of life for many older Americans.
Impaired vision, that which cannot be corrected by regular eyeglasses
or contact lenses or by medical or surgical intervention, 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.
The incidence of vision impairment increases with advancing age, and
given the increasing numbers of older Americans, the problems associated
with vision loss clearly need to be addressed. For a growing number
of eyecare professionals, low vision dispensing is a career path well
worth pursuing.
Upon completion
of this course, the participant should be able to: