WHAT IS A LOW VISION REHABILITATION EVALUATION?

A low vision rehabilitation evaluation is not the same as a visit to your eye doctor. Your eye doctor will diagnose your eye problem and provide medical treatment, if possible. Low vision rehabilitation services do not offer new diagnoses or new treatments. Rather, they are designed to help you get the most that you can from the eyesight that the doctor has been able to save.

In a low vision rehabilitation evaluation you may learn how to use your remaining vision more efficiently, or how lighting can effect reading and what you can do about it. If an optical aid, such as a magnifier or a telescope, has been recommended, you will learn how to use it and how not to use it. Some people are shown how to do the same activity with different low vision aids and are given information to help them decide which one is best for them. You may learn some “tricks” for recognizing people when you meet them, identifying your folding money, writing checks or playing cards. Information about useful resources in your area is often provided.

WHAT IS ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY?

Orientation and mobility instruction teaches a person who is blind or visually impaired how to travel safely and as independently as possible. Orientation is knowing where you are, where you’ve been and where you’re going. Mobility is the set of physical skills required to move through the environment.

For some people, mobility means using a sighted person as a guide to go to the grocery store. An “O and M” instructor could provide instruction in how to negotiate steps and doorways as well as activities like getting in and out of a car. Other students may receive instruction in how to use a cane to independently travel indoors or outdoors, or use public transportation.

Often, a person with a visual impairment who already has adequate mobility skills may need orientation to a new job site, classroom or even a neighborhood. A mobility instructor can help the consumer understand the environment and the routes using clues that are relevant to that individual.

Grants are available to subsidize the cost of these services. For more information call
1(608) 255-1166 and ask for Marshall Flax or you may e-mail Marshall