[Aer-div07] Low Vision List-Serve
Patricia Sikes
patricia.sikes at ncmail.net
Mon Sep 24 12:54:28 EDT 2007
I agree also with the comment about the need for current eye care. All
too often, people request a "stronger magnifier" or even darker shades
and too many people simply try to find something stronger without
reflecting on why they may now have this need.
Overlooking the medical piece and only responding with aids can be
negligent.
For instance, we have had people at our Rehab Center in the last year
that requested low vision services because of light sensitivity and/or
needing a stronger device. One person was reacting to a medication she
was taking, one had developed optic neuritis (he was at our Center due
to RP) and another had PDR and had a RD a few months later.
Here in NC, I do most assessments for low vision aids on my own although
we have low vision optometrists about 1/2 day per week who come in and
can see a few people per week. I spend a lot of time though telling
people we cannot pursue until their eye care is current or trying to get
current eye reports first. It would be simpler if they could just go
directly to an eye care provider first.
The other benefit from a low vision eval by an eye doctor is that
corrective lenses can be Rx where indicated. Many eye doctors are not
trained in how to do a low vision refraction or cannot or will not take
the time. So people that we assess for low vision aids may not have been
properly assessed for corrective lenses. In some cases, a Rx then alters
what other low vision aids are needed.
Patricia Sikes, CLVT
NC Division of Services for the Blind
Leah Gerlach wrote:
> I know that having the skills and tools to help clients select
> appropriate devices and get training is an important role we all have.
> My one concern is the medical eye health of our low vision clients.
> Many of them have eye diseases which need medical monitoring. I have
> worked with many clients who have acquired a secondary diagnosis after
> an initial diagnosis of macular degeneration and the secondary
> diagnosis has caused more significant vision loss. It is important
> that we make sure that where ever we are working our clients
> understand the importance of routine ophthalmological examinations.
>
> As far as tools and training kits the kit mentioned is good, but
> before using it you will need to make sure that the tools are
> available. If getting product is difficult for you there are several
> catalog companies which can assist, these include but are not limited
> to L.S. & S., Independent Living Aids, Maxi Aids, and Shopping Low
> Vision.com.
>
> Leah Gerlach
>
> 630-690-7115 ext 324
>
> DeickeCenter for Visual Rehabilitation
>
> www.deicke.org
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> From: aer-div07-bounces at lists.aerbvi.org
> [mailto:aer-div07-bounces at lists.aerbvi.org] On Behalf Of Kevin
> Hollinger
>
> Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:24 PM
> To: Jim Gandorf; aer-div07 at lists.aerbvi.org
> Subject: Re: [Aer-div07] Low Vision List-Serve
> One potential solution is acquiring APH's product, Envision, as it is
> a set program to teach moncular/magnifier use. The nice thing is the 2
> kits contain a variety of magnifier types (hand-held, stand, lighted)
> and power and various monoculars (power/style).
> In fact, a student we were conducting a Functional Vision Assessment
> on loved a 'slanted dome' magnifier so much he wanted to keep it but
> we couldn't find a source to buy one.
> Ultimately the kits provide a means of providing hands-on comparisons
> for the field of view, power preference, style preference, device
> manipulation, impact of lighting, etc.
> I work in a district outside St. Louis so there are resources
> available to us but at times we cannot get a kiddo somewhere and it's
> up to us.
> Kevin
> CVT, COMS
>
> Jim Gandorf <JGandorf at aerbvi.org> wrote:
>
> This question recently came up on the O&M Division List
> Serve; I am cross posting to the Low Vision List Serve for
> your input as well.
> FYI, for everyone on the list serve to see your reply click
> “REPLY TO ALL”
> Subject: Scope of Practice for LVT, VRT, O&M
> I would like to ask you for some feedback about low vision
> aids recommenced by VRT, LVT and O&M specialists.
> According to ACVREP Certification Handbook "the CLVT shall
> work as part of an interdisciplinary team with an
> ophthalmologist and or optometrist who manages ocular
> health, provide the clinical low vision examination,
> prescribes optical devices and approves treatment
> plans.".... What about areas where low vision examination is
> not available???
> In Colorado field teachers (VRT,O&M,LVT) introduce our
> clients to a variety of low vision aids and let them make
> the choice of what meets their needs. Doing so we use our
> best professional judgment.
> What about other states? How do you handle this?
> It would be nice to have more clarification from ACVREP
> about scope of work for VRT, LVT, O&M when and where
> clinical low vision examination is not available.
> Thank you for your response.
> Jadwiga Brown COMS, RT
>
> Denver Metro Rehabilitation Office
> 2211 W Evans Ave Bldg A
> Denver, CO80223
> Email: jadwiga.brown at state.co.us
> Phone: (303) 866-3910
> Fax: (303) 866-3419
> Jim
> ==========================================
> Jim Gandorf, CAE
> Executive Director
> AER
>
> 1703 N. Beauregard St., Ste 440
>
> Alexandria, VA22311
> jgandorf at aerbvi.org
> 703-671-4500 ext 205
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