Low Vision Certification Series

An estimated 285 million people are currently suffering from low-vision and visual impairment impacting their daily tasks world-wide (Zetterlund, Lundqvist, & Richter, 2019). In the United States alone these deficits are costing over 16 billion in healthcare dollars which carries a significant burden for patients (Shah et al, 2018). Low vision is defined as visual impairment that cannot be corrected with standard refractive, therapeutic, or surgical methods. Physical and occupational therapy play an integral role in improving functional independence and enhancing remaining vision to prevent or minimize disability. Twelve million Americans are living with age-related macular degeneration and 3.36 million Americans are living with Glaucoma; two of the most common eye diseases resulting in low vision and blindness in older adults. Visual impairment in older adults often leads to negative impacts on overall health and significant difficulty with ADLs.

What this certification series will address:

This certification series will provide attendees with the skills needed to effectively assess and treat those affected by low vision. These courses aim to add value to clinical practice and client's overall health by improving objectively measured outcomes, increasing ADL independence, preventing falls, and functional decline. This series will provide occupational and physical therapists in all settings the tools to incorporate vision rehabilitation into their sessions with the neurological patient. Practical and highly effective treatments will be provided to improve confidence and success in treating neurological patients with vision deficits. Participants to this certification series will be able to identify the common low vision diagnoses impacting patient function. Participants will leave understanding the link between balance and vision with patient risk factors discussed for therapists to better identify "at-risk" clientele.