Vision is crucial, and we can take proactive measures to protect it, especially as we age. For those already experiencing vision loss, there is renewed hope through vision rehabilitation.
Comprehensive eye exams
Eye exams assess eye health and diagnose age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and more. Eye exams can also help identify underlying severe health conditions, including diabetes, since diabetic retinopathy may cause vision loss and blindness. Regular eye exams help identify eye diseases early when they are most treatable. View eye exam recommendations at bit.ly/eyeexamrec and learn more about age-related eye diseases at bit.ly/areye.
Negative impact on quality of life
Recent studies confirm that adults with vision impairment face significantly reduced quality of life across various measures, including all social determinants of health. Did you know that adults with vision loss are twice as likely to report fair or poor health as adults without vision loss? Adults with visual impairment also report depression at twice the rate of those with normal vision.
Vision correction and medical intervention
Eye doctors help us protect and improve our vision with tools, including glasses, contacts, and other devices. Eye diseases may also be addressed through medication, surgery, and other treatments. When these interventions are exhausted and a patient is told that nothing else can be done medically, they may lose hope and struggle with anxiety and depression.
Renewed hope through vision rehabilitation
Vision rehabilitation provides life-changing benefits, including increased safety, confidence, and independence.
Vision rehabilitation begins with a functional assessment, which may include a specialized low-vision exam to confirm the type and degree of vision loss and all key life challenges. A customized plan of training, programs, and services is developed that may include:
- Orientation and mobility (O&M) training helps adults safely and confidently navigate home, work, and community settings. O&M often includes white cane training and navigation apps and may consist of a dog guide.
- Independent living skills training maximizes remaining vision, providing strategies for performing daily activities, including home organization and modifications, specialized training for household chores and meal preparation, personal care, time management, money management, and so much more.
- Assistive technology introduces new ways to access information and communicate using tools, including screen readers and speech recognition software.
- Adaptive devices and specialized aids include magnifiers, electronic smart home assistants, and other talking devices.
- Employment services address vision-related challenges to maintain an existing position or transition into a new one.
- Braille reading and writing help enhance communication.
- Support groups help adults connect with others facing similar challenges.
Agencies throughout the United States provide vision rehabilitation services, often at no cost. Access a list of VisionServe Alliance members providing vision rehabilitation services at bit.ly/vsamembers. View National Eye Institute resources at bit.ly/neiresources, and visit TimetoBeBold.org for local vision rehabilitation services and added resources. Call the APH hotline at (800) 232-5463 for support and strategies, join remote discussion groups, or access free online resources at APHConnectCenter.org.
