# Low Vision Rehabilitation/What is low vision
## Enquiry

Use this enquiry to guide your understanding of the concept of low vision and the impact of eye disease when treatment is no longer an option. Consider the principles of low vision care with discussion of the reasons why patients do not access or have difficulty accessing services that could help them. You will also be introduced to the concept of low vision care within a multi-disciplinary team.
Focus on Low Vision is an excellent publication by the Centre for Eye Research which will be useful to complete all the topics in this enquiry. You should refer to it often.
The estimated time commitment for this enquiry is 10-12 hours.

## Impact of Ocular Disease (visual & psychosocial)

The topic area is designed to teach you to analyse information about an ocular disease and determine the likely functional impairment (Learning outcome #1). You will therefore be able to discuss the psychosocial and physical impacts related to different forms of vision impairment. Access the Class Guide.
Task 1
This material will be presented face to face in week 1.
Listen to the two audio recordings of patients from See Well Australia who have vision impairment. They are describing the impact of the impairment on their lives. If possible listen to the interviews before coming to class in week 1.
* Audio 1 - group of elderly ladies
* Audio 2 - younger patient with Stargardt disease
After you have listened to the recordings, work through the questions below.
Task 2
Task 2 utilises case studies and additional materials that will allow you to consider the impact of sight loss on social and emotional wellbeing.
Watch the interview with Krister Inde Support needed when one loses his or her vision
Refer to Krister Inde's book See bad feel good
This will form the basis for the Class Activity related to the psychosocial impact of vision impairment.
Task 3
To consolidate your knowledge, read of Scheiman M, Scheiman M & Whittaker S (2007) Low Vision Rehabilitation, Chapter 4 Eye Diseases Associated with Low Vision.

## What is low vision?

Mrs Thelma Scope is a patient at See Well Australia. Through Mrs Scope you will come to understand what low vision is, how it is defined and what it means to have an impairment. In addition, you will consider the epidemiology and impact of low vision in Australia.
Task 1
Watch the What is Low Vision? lectorial where you will find out about your new patient Mrs Thelma Scope.
Consult the resources below in addition to finding your own resources to answer the Task 1 questions. When answering the questions, think about what you know so far about Mrs Scope. Discuss and compare your answers with the students in your group.
* Terminology in Eye Health
* WHO | Visual Impairment and Blindness factsheet
* Oxford Dictionary
Task 2
Referring to the Eye Research Australia (Clear Insight) Economic Impact and Cost of Low Vision in Australia publication, answer Task 2 questions. Don't forget to consider your patient Thelma when answering the questions.

## Principles of low vision rehabilitation

Through your patient, Mrs Thelma Scope, you have come to understand what the difference is between low vision, vision impairment and legal blindness. You have also considered the psychosocial and financial/economic impact of vision impairment. The next task is to consider the key elements are of a low vision assessment and the principles of low vision rehabilitation. Once again, Thelma Scope's case study will assist your understanding of these concepts.
Task
Watch the playlist related to Principles of Vision Rehabilitation.
Read the following articles:
* Markowitz SN. Principles of modern low vision rehabilitation. Can J Ophthalmol 2006;41:289–312
* Vukicevic M. Functional vision assessment. Aust Orth J 2008; 40(2).
These readings are essential to your understanding of the principles of low vision rehabilitation.

## Service models and barriers to access

Task
Working with the members of your group, read the following two articles and answer the questions below.
* Matti AI et. al. Access to low-vision rehabilitation services: barriers and enablers. Clin Exp Optom. 2011; 94: 2: 181–186
* O’Connor PM et. al. Access and utilization of a new low-vision rehabilitation service. Clin Exp Ophthal. 2008; 36: 547–552