Low vision

Psychologically Normal People Charles Bonnet s Syndrome, Lancet, 347 794-797, March 1996. (Describes the research at the Low Vision Unit of the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Nijmegen, which shows that the Bonnet visions are sometimes comical, like two miniature policemen guiding a midget villain. )... 

Blindness or low vision affects over 3 million Americans or approximately 1 in 28 of those older than 40 years. Persons with visual impairments may find complying with prescribed drug regimens inherently difficult, and their problems can extend beyond the scope of visual compromise. 

Cook, A.M. 1982. Sensory and communication aids. In AM. Cook and J.G. Webster (Eds.), Therapeutic Medical Devices Application and Design, pp. 152 201. Englewood ChlFs, NJ, Prentice-HalL Fonda, G.E. 1981. Management of Low Vision. New York, Thieme-Stratton. 

NIDRR. 1993. Protocols for choosing low vision devices. US. Department of Education. Consensus Statement 1(1-28). 

Low Vision and Blindness Augmentation and Substitution John Gill 41-1... 

In this section of the handbook we focus only on applications of rehabilitation engineering. The basic concepts of rehabilitation engineering, rehabilitation science, and rehabilitation technology are outlined in Robinson s Chapter 43. Two chapters in this section cover sensory input, and two cover movement or communication output. Gill (Chapter 41) and Remus (Chapter 40) cover sensory rehabilitation or remediation (blindness and low vision, deafness, and hearing loss). Fite s Chapter 42 looks at orthopedic rehabilitation in terms of prosthetics. Hill, Romich, and Vanderheiden (Chapter 47) look at the output side as they explore augmentative and alternative communication systems and their scientific bases. Treffler s Chapter 49 covers concepts involved in the day-to-day provision of rehabilitation technology. 

Fonda, G.E. 1981. Management of Low Vision. New York, Thieme-Stratton. 

Alternatives to Visual Input for Individuals Who Have Low Vision... 

American Foundation for the Blind Reviews products for persons who are blind or have low vision. Produces fact sheets on many topics. 

How can print be made more readable for someone with low vision Use an 18-point font (but no less than 16 points) in standard roman or sans serif. Avoid decorative fonts, italics, and all... 

How can one design a product to be easier to use by someone with low vision Maximize contrast between components. For example, use a dark switch on a light device or a light handle on a dark door. Avoid glares. ... 

Increasing the size and contrast of the letters on a remote control will not only aid users with low vision but also will aid the general population in low light. Choose color combinations that can be seen by those with color blindness. Also, larger switches arranged in an expected, logical order will make for a better product. Those with limited mobility, including the millions with arthritis, will be able to operate such a remote with ease. 

A work center with this layout shortens the work triangle, an advantage for people with low vision or those who use walkers or crutches. Open appliance doors may, however, block aisle space needed for a wheelchair. 

Patterns and edgings can guide people with low vision. 

Low Vision Enhancement System (LVES)—provides a video scene via a system of optical mirrors that project video images onto the wearer s retinas. The headset, worn like aviators goggles, helps counteract the effects of macular degeneration associated with aging, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and tunnel vision. 

Low Vision Subspecialty of optometry or ophthalmology managing individuals who have reduced vision even with the use of corrective glasses or contact lenses. 

Eye examination low-vision rehabilitation visnal development refractive correction vision therapy behavioral optometry biomedical ocnlar research electrodiagnostics/physiology. 

Specializations in optometry deal with the study of eye examination techniques, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, visual development, refractive correction, vision therapy, biomedical ocular research, and electrodij ostics/physiology. 

Low vision rehabilitation is still a significant part of optometric practice. The devices and aids to daily living that have been developed assist patients with low vision and allow them to lead productive and functional lives with greater independence than ever before. 

The primary career choice in the field of optometry is to become a doctor of optometry (optometrist). Optometrists may specialize to areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, cornea and contact lenses, refractive and ocular surgery, ocular disease, or vision science and optics research. 

It was selected twelve people four with congenital blindness, four with low vision and four that became blind at an adult age, considered adventitious blindness. They were supposed to have waling-stick, cane, experience, adapted to its use have the habit of walking frequently in a variety of places a similar level of knowledge, and some professional experience. 

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