Vision rehabilitation

Clinical studies and treatments

Neurological approach

There are many treatments and therapies to slow degradation of vision loss or improve the vision using neurological approaches. Studies have found that low vision can be restored to good vision. In some cases, vision cannot be restored to normal levels but progressive visual loss can be stopped through interventions.

Chemical treatments

In general, chemical treatments are designed to slow the process of vision loss. Some research is done with neuroprotective treatment that will slow the progression of vision loss. Despite other approaches existing, neuroprotective treatments seem to be most common among all chemical treatments.

Gene therapy

Gene therapy uses DNA as a delivery system to treat visual impairments. In this approach, DNA is modified through a viral vector, and then cells related to vision cease translating faulty proteins. Gene therapy seems to be the most prominent field that might be able to restore vision through therapy. However, research indicates gene therapy may worsen symptoms, cause them to last longer or lead to further complications.

Physical approach

For physical approaches to vision rehabilitation, most of the training is focused on ways to make environments easier to deal with for those with low vision. Occupational therapy is commonly suggested for these patients. Also, there are devices that help patients achieve higher standards of living. These include video magnifiers, peripheral prism glasses, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), closed-circuit television (CCTV), RFID devices, electronic badges with emergency alert systems, virtual sound systems, and smart wheelchairs.

Mobility training

Mobility training improves the ability for patients with visual impairment to live independently by training patients to become more mobile. For low vision patients, there are multiple mobility training methods and devices available including the 3D sound virtual reality system, talking braille, and RFID floors.

The 3D sound virtual reality system transforms sounds into locations and maps the environment. This system alerts patients to avoid possible dangers. The talking braille is a device that helps low vision patients to read braille by detecting light and transmitting this information through Bluetooth technology. RFID floors are GPS-like navigation systems which help patients to detect building interiors, which ultimately allow them to detour around obstacles.

Home skills training

Home skills training allows patients to improve communication skills, self-care skills, cognitive skills, socialization skills, vocational training, psychological testing, and education. One study indicates that multicomponent group interventions for older adults with low vision as an effective approach related to home training. The multicomponent group interventions include learning new knowledge or skills each week, having multiple sessions to allow participants to apply learned knowledge or skills in their living environment, and building relationships with their health care providers. The most important factor in this intervention is support from family, which includes assistance with changes in lifestyles, financial concerns, and future planning.

Vision Rehabilitation Therapy

The field of vision rehabilitation therapy is made up of professionals who provide specialized services to individuals who are blind or who have a vision loss that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses, medication, or surgery. Professionals who work in this field are called Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs) or Rehabilitation Teachers (RTs). A vision rehabilitation therapist, VRT, is a professional who provides specialized instruction and guidance to individuals who are blind or have low vision. Best practice recommends professionals who work in this field be nationally certified. To obtain certification as a VRT, professionals must complete a course of study through a university program, complete a 350-hour internship, and pass a certification examination. The certifying body for VRTs is the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals, ACVREP. The ACVREP certification for a VRT is called Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and the certified professional uses the letters CVRT indicating this credential. Scope of Practice A VRT works within the scope of practice outlined by ACVREP. The VRT provides Instruction in the use of adaptive skills and strategies to help individuals with vision loss to safely meet their personal goals for employment, education, and independence in the workplace, home, and community. Training from a VRT may include:

• Efficient use of remaining vision
• Safe and independent management of daily living activities, including personal care
• Reading and writing, including braille
• Use of computers, smartphones, tablets, etc., including assistive technology like screen magnifiers and screen readers
• Hobbies and crafts
• Safe movement within the home
• Workplace accommodations
• Recommendations for environmental modifications that increase safety and independence

The VRT serves individuals of any age, whether vision loss is present at birth or if acquired later in life. Individuals with any level of visual impairment, whether partial or total, may benefit from services provided by the VRT. Services provided by a VRT are comprehensive taking into consideration visual abilities, other physical limitations, social supports, and emotional adjustment to vision loss. Instruction with a VRT often uses strategies which include other senses to complete tasks, use of devices that enhance low vision or increase accessibility, and problem-based learning.

Employment

Vision Rehabilitation Therapists are hired by state vocational rehabilitation programs, non-profit agencies, veterans’ administration (VA) hospitals, or they may choose to be self-employed, working as private contractors. A VRT may provide their services one-on-one or in a group setting. Many services are provided in the home of the client with vision loss, so that environmental factors can be assessed, and specific strategies practiced in the location where tasks need to be completed. Services might also be provided in the client’s workplace or educational institution, a community center, rehab residential facility, or in the community. The vision rehabilitation therapist may also work as part of a rehabilitation team, which may include an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist (COMS), Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS), and Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists can assess how low vision affects day-to-day function. They can promote independence in daily activities through home assessments and modifications, problem solving training, home exercise programs and finding compensatory strategies. For example, an occupational therapist can suggest adding lighting and contrast to a room to improve visibility.