The role of the professional and the empowerment of the

person with low vision

Ann HeardLow Vision and Blind Support

Email: heard.ann48@yahoo.com

Definition• Impaired visual function caused by

any disorder of the eye or visual system.

• Resulting in a reduced level of vision that cannot be improved to normal with glasses, contacts, medication or surgery.

• Individuals have difficulty engaging in normal day-to-day activities.

• Best-corrected vision in better eye becomes less than 6/18.

Clients questionsOnce diagnosed, the questions asked by the client can include:-• What is low vision?• Can it be treated?• Can it be cured?• How will I be affected?• Can I get stronger glasses?• Can I stay in school?• Can I go to University?• Who will employ me?

Clients questions (cont)• What career can I follow?• Must I change career paths?• Are there other people like me?• Are there support groups?• Will my children be affected?

Many other questions like this will be asked by the client and his family.

Multi-disciplinary Team?• GP• Ophthalmologist• Geneticist• Optometrist • Low Vision

Optometrist• Orientation and

Mobility Instructor• Educator• Specialist Educator

• Skills Developer• Psychologist• OT • Audiologist• Orthoptist• Neurologist• NGO• Social Worker

Should know the causes and effects of low vision and know those

professionals who can help more specifically

The clients need ophthalmic and low vision assessment and training and

support from a multi-disciplinary team

The Team

Inclusivity and the Professional

• Government policy in education, employment and social situations

• Professionals understand treatment and rehabilitation

• Develop a network of allied professionalsThus enabling LV client to become an

independent confident individual

• Ensure a correct assessment and that there is understanding of the condition

• Make sure the clients have correct referrals to team members

• Correct training and equipment• Family members and colleagues

understand • Realise that the process is on-going• Functional ability to be developed

Thus empowering the client

Empowerment

CommunicationImportant that all information regarding

the client is shared throughout the client’s rehabilitation programme.

• Not all professionals (see above) are involved in low vision

• Clients often are not able to consult the correct professionals

• Clients struggle to obtain correct information

• Persons interacting with LV clients often do not have sufficient understanding and empathy

Why not a LOW VISION FORUM?

Moving Forward

• Identify professionals keen to be involved with LV clients and a LOW VISION FORUM

• Ensure ophthalmic assessment• Ensure low vision specialised

optometric assessment• Ensure functional assessment• Join hands with the Team• Government policy “inclusivity of all

people”

Points to Remember

Low Vision Forum

We need to be part of a team to ensure that all persons with low vision are afforded an equal opportunity thus ensuring that they are socially, financially and independently

integrated members of society at all levels.