Course Description:

The prevalence of visual impairment among the older adult population continues to increase. Visual disease, normal aging, and trauma impact a person’s safety and ability to function independently. Reduced referrals and awareness of the benefit of rehabilitation services, as well as denial of deficits and reduced social support are among the barriers for patients not seeking skilled services. In addition, limited hands-on exposure and training in geriatric low vision techniques in the academic and clinical setting may result in clinician’s being ill-equipped to manage low vision deficits as an interdisciplinary team. This course will provide learners with an understanding of basic visual system anatomy and physiology as it relates to the impact of visual dysfunction and disease. Learners will differentiate between various eye conditions and terminology among the senior population, followed by identification of relevant components of the evaluation process. In addition, learners will recognize low vision intervention techniques and identify when referral to a specialty practice is required due to patient needs being beyond one’s scope. The prevalence of visual impairment among the older adult population continues to increase. Visual disease, normal aging, and trauma impact a person’s safety and ability to function independently. Reduced referrals and awareness of the benefit of rehabilitation services, as well as denial of deficits and reduced social support are among the barriers for patients not seeking skilled services. In addition, limited hands-on exposure and training in geriatric low vision techniques in the academic and clinical setting may result in clinician’s being ill-equipped to manage low vision deficits as an interdisciplinary team. Learners will utilize interdisciplinary case study examples following analysis of foundational background information and strategies for low vision management.