Vision rehabilitation
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, "Provision of, or referral to, vision rehabilitation is now the standard of care for all who experience vision loss.."[5] Rehabilitation (literally, the act of making able again) helps patients achieve physical, social, emotional, spiritual independence and quality of life.
In this approach, DNA is modified through a viral vector, and then cells related to vision cease translating faulty proteins.
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.
[12] 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.
[14] RFID floors are GPS-like navigation systems which help patients to detect building interiors, which ultimately allow them to detour around obstacles.
[16] One study indicates that multicomponent group interventions for older adults with low vision as an effective approach related to home training.
[18] The most important factor in this intervention is support from family, which includes assistance with changes in lifestyles, financial concerns, and future planning.
[22] 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.
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.
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.
