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An Introduction to Low Vision Rehabilitation: First Response Interventions for Older Adults

Instructor: Stephen G. Whittaker, PhD, OTR/L, CLVT

This 3-part course involves 1 on-line session, "Screening for Vision Disability" and 2 live sessions including interactive video demonstrations where participants view the world through the eyes of people with different types of vision impairment and apply various techniques learned.

The on-line course must be completed as a prerequisite before attending the 2 live seminars.

Online Instructions:

Go to www.smarteducation.no  click on “visionedseminars”, “create a new account” then enter “course shop”. Select “Screening for Vision Disability”. When course is completed, download a certificate and bring this to Session 2.

Cost for online session: $10 AOTA CEUs 0.2*

Online Course Materials provided:

  • The Vision Evaluation Handbook that includes detailed description of evaluation procedures, first response interventions and where materials can be purchased, copies of handouts for patients describing resources and interventions for sighted guide, glare, magnification, and compensatory scanning for field restrictions as well as references.
  • Vision Evaluation forms. These forms may be customized to your service to provide efficient documentation, and guide the reasoning process.
  • A print version of the course lectures.

*Vision Education Seminars is not approved to award ASHA CEUs for distance learning.

Live Seminars
Part 1: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 from 6-8:30 pm
Part 2: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 from 6-8:30 pm.  
Students must attend all 3 sessions in order to receive continuing education credit.

Course Description: Participants will learn how to evaluate and provide "first response" rehabilitation interventions for visual impairment. “First Response” interventions maximize vision or compensate for vision loss using resources available in acute, sub-acute or home-care rehabilitation services. This course provides practical and immediately applicable information as well as a solid starting point for those who wish to specialize in low vision rehabilitation.

Agenda

Part 1 – January 10, 2012 - 2.5 hours
5:30 – 6:00 pm – Registration and Welcome
6:00 – 8:30 pm – Lecture

Lecture Outline
Section 1

  1. Impaired Visual Acuity
    1. Evaluation
    2. Predicting Optimum Magnification
    3. Non-optical First Response Interventions
  2. Impaired Contrast Sensitivity and Lighting
    1. Evaluation
    2. First Response Interventions
  3. Central Field Loss
    1. Evaluation
    2. First Response Interventions
  4. Peripheral Field Loss & Visual Neglect
    1. Evaluation
    2. Beyond the First Response

Part 2 – January 17, 2012 - 2.5 hours
5:30 – 6:00 pm – Registration and Welcome
6:00 – 8:30 pm – Lecture

Lecture Outline
Section 1 (continued)

  1. Eye Movement Problems
    1. Evaluation
    2. First Response Interventions
  2. Perceptual Problems
    1. Evaluation and Classification

Section 2

  1. Starting a Service
  2. Definitions and Eligibility for Services
  3. Other Involved Professionals
    1. A Historical Perspective
    2. Inter-professional Issues
  4. Description of Advanced Low Vision Practice
  5. Expected Outcomes
    1. Two Cases (video) and Evidence Review
  6. Certification as Advanced Practitioner
    1. Certified Low Vision Therapist
    2. Specialty Certification for OT’s

Included in each session will be hands-on workshops where participants will evaluate and provide treatment plans for videotapes of real patients.
Target Audience:  Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists who work with older adults.

Learning Objectives:  
Participants will be able to:

  • Name 3 different types of visual impairments and 1 performance sign associated with each type.
  • Describe signs and symptoms that require referral to optometrist or ophthalmologist.
  • Evaluate 5 sensory (pre-cortical) vision impairments and appropriate "first response" rehabilitation interventions for each of these impairments.
  • Name 3 organizations and other professionals involved in low vision & blindness rehabilitation services to whom people with low vision should be referred.

Cost: $50.00 for 2 live sessions AOTA/ASHA CEUs 0.5
Total Cost for all 3 sessions: $60.00 Total CEUs - AOTA: 0.7 - ASHA: 0.5

To register: visit http://lowvision123.eventbrite.com
Contact person: Sheila Wallace, Education Coordinator, 215-663-6457, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Disclosure of potential conflict of interest: Stephen Whittaker may receive royalties from one assessment instrument (the wands) and a publication described in this course.  With all publications and instruments that produce royalties to Dr. Whittaker, alternative available assessment techniques and instruments will be presented.

 

Satisfactory completion of the continuing education unit requirement consists of full attendance with monitored sign in/out sheets as well as completion of a course evaluation form which includes self-assessment of learning outcomes.

AOTA LogoThe assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

 

ASHA Brand Block
This course is offered for 0.5 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, related area).