Low Vision Services: An Overview
Introduction
Low vision services are specialized services that help individuals who experience vision loss. This type of service can provide assistance to those who have difficulty performing daily activities due to their vision impairment. Additionally, low vision services can provide adaptive strategies, counseling, and other forms of support. This article will provide an overview of low vision services, their purpose and benefits, and how to access them.
Purpose and Benefits
Low vision services provide much-needed support to those who experience vision loss. These services can help individuals learn to better manage their vision loss in order to maximize their independence and quality of life. Through low vision services, individuals can receive assessments, counseling, and adaptive strategies that enable them to make the most of their vision. Additionally, low vision services can provide access to specialized low vision devices, such as magnifiers and electronic aids, that can help individuals to better perform daily tasks.
Accessibility
Low vision services are available through a variety of sources, including hospitals, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and community-based organizations. Additionally, many states have programs that provide low vision services to individuals who are legally blind. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also provides information on low vision services at its website and in its publication, “Low Vision and Blindness: What You Should Know”.
Conclusion
Low vision services are an important resource for individuals who experience vision loss. Through low vision services, individuals can receive assessments, counseling, adaptive strategies, and access to specialized low vision devices. Low vision services are available through a variety of sources, including hospitals, ophthalmologists, optometrists, community-based organizations, and state programs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also provides information on low vision services.
References
Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Low Vision and Blindness: What You Should Know. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/disabilities/blindness-and-vision-impairments/low-vision-and-blindness/index.html
National Eye Institute. (2014). Low Vision. Retrieved from https://nei.nih.gov/health/lowvision/lowvision
National Library of Medicine. (2020). Low Vision Services. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000721.htm