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Department of Ophthalmology Low Vision
 The Appalachian Center for Vision Rehabilitation, a part of the West Virginia University Eye Institute, primary goal is to provide vision rehabilitation to those with low vision. Low vision is a visual impairment not correctable by standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, and surgery, which interferes with ability to perform everyday activities. Lacking services, older adults with low vision are frequently forced into nursing homes, while younger adults suffer chronic unemployment. However, vision rehabilitation services enable many low vision suffers to remain independent and improves their quality of life.
Major causes of low vision are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Signs of low vision include difficulty, recognizing faces of friends and relatives, doing up-close work, such as reading and sewing, picking out and matching clothes, lighting seems dimmer, reading street signs and names of stores even with regular glasses. Vision rehabilitation services includes a comprehensive low vision evaluation that details remaining, usable vision, optical devices assessment and training, lighting assessment, home modification recommendations, technology assessment and training, orientation and mobility training and electronic assessment and training. Rehabilitation Services are provided by an Occupational Therapist two and half days per week. The Occupational Therapist will help determine the patient's goals, address activities of daily living and provide training of low vision devices. Referrals to Orientation and Mobility Specialists and driving evaluations are made when appropriate. You need to be referred by a doctor, therefore be sure to ask for a referral. |
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