What is a Low Vision Clinic?
What Is a Low Vision Clinic?
A low vision clinic is a specialized clinic that assists students with low vision to maximize their remaining vision through the use of optical aids, assistive technology, and other strategies. Clinics for students are provided at no cost to families or districts. Students will rotate between 4 stations: Optometric exam, near vision, distance vision and sun filters, and assistive technology. Here’s a more detailed look at what a low vision clinic for students offers:
Diagnostic and Assessment
Low Vision Examinations
An examination will be conducted by our clinic Optometrist who has worked extensively with low vision patients. The exam will assess a student’s visual acuity, visual fields, contrast sensitivity, and other aspects of their vision. Our clinic doctor plans on spending as much time as necessary with each student in order to get the most accurate exam results, and to answer all of your questions.
An evaluation will be conducted by our Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired who is knowledgeable about the needs of a student with low vision at school and at home. The CLVT will evaluate a student’s visual abilities, focusing on how they use their vision in real-life situations and daily activities, such as reading and writing, and how to maximize their abilities with changes in lighting, positioning, visual efficiency, and magnification.
Low vision specialists may prescribe magnifiers, telescopes, or other optical devices to help students with visual tasks. Some devices may be borrowed for a trial period.
Our clinic Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TVI) who has extensive knowledge about distance vision devices such as telescopes, and sun filters for both indoors and outdoors, will explore options to suit each individual student. A student may borrow these items for a trial period.
An individual who is certified as both a CATIS (Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist) and Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired will explore accessibility options on various devices including computers, tablets, and smart phones. Attendees will also explore specialized technology for the blind and visually impaired such as video magnification devices. Positioning aids designed to place screens in the student’s best field of view will also be available at clinics.
What are the benefits of Attending a Low Vision Clinic?
Improved Visual Function
Low vision clinics help students make the most of their remaining vision through the use of visual efficiency skills, optical aids, non-optical aids, and assistive technology.
Enhanced Educational Performance
With proper accommodations and support, students with low vision can participate fully in their education and achieve their academic goals.
Increased Independence
Low vision clinics can help students develop skills and strategies that allow them to be more independent at school and at home and participate fully in their lives.
Collaboration and Support
Clinic staff work with teachers, parents, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to supporting the student’s educational needs.
Focus on Functional Vision
The clinics aim to enhance a student’s ability to access educational materials, participate in classroom activities, and navigate their environment.