Instructor
Stephen G. Whittaker, PhD, OT, CLVT, SCLV
Low Vision Specialist
Earn: .2 CEUs (2 contact hours/2.5 NBCOT PDUs)
Scroll down for additional information about the Micro
credential available when completing the course series
Description
Unfortunately, there are many patients who have undiagnosed low vision concerns who are often mischaracterized as having a cognitive disability. In some cases, the visual disability is the direct result of brain injury and in other cases, the result of an unrelated eye disease. Sometimes low vision is due to the patient not wearing their eyeglasses.
In subacute rehab settings serving mostly elderly individuals, around 1 in 10 of the patients have low vision. Since only about ½ of people with low vision are referred for rehab by eye doctors, we all need to take responsibility to screen for vision disability.
This course is designed to teach all health care professionals how to screen for vision disability through careful observation of performance of activities.
This screening course is the first of a 4-course series. Courses #2 and #3 provide information on how to evaluate vision impairment and provide first response interventions without specialized equipment to keep a person functioning until they receive proper rehab intervention by a specialist. Course #4 provides information about referring to specialized care.
With the proper tools and techniques, a person with even total blindness can do just about anything.
Topic Outline
·The continuum of care for low vision rehab
·What to do if you suspect visual disability
·Ocular emergencies
·Screening for five of six different types of vision loss by performance impact
·Pathogenesis of functional vision loss
·Workshop 1: sighted guide and courtesies
Audience: Occupational Therapy Practitioners (OT/OTA)
Content area: Evaluation: OT Process
Educational level: Introductory
This course is part of a 4 course series that culminates in an AOTA Micro credential in “First Response for Low Vision Rehabilitation.” Please complete each course in sequence starting with An Introduction to Low Vision Screening. When all identified courses are completed, please request the digital badge through the store to let others know of your accomplishment.
These courses are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST for AOTA + members. Basic members and nonmembers pay a low fee.
Courses Required for Microcredential (essentials courses can be taken out of sequence and #1 can be a stand alone screening course):
Essentials course
1)Low vision assessment in occupational therapy
2)The impact of low vision on child development
3)The Impact of Visual Dysfunction on IADLs Including Driving and Community Mobility
Microcredential courses
4)An Introduction to Low Vision Screening (must be taken first)
5)Evaluation and Initial Interventions for Central Vision Loss
6)Beyond the First Response: Low Vision Service Delivery
7)Occupational Therapy Assessment and Intervention for Vision Loss and Neurological Disorders
Expiration: Please note that this and all AOTA CE courses expire 1-yr from purchase regardless of the completion status.