Episode 3: What Professionals Can Help You With Vision Loss? скачать в хорошем качестве

Episode 3: What Professionals Can Help You With Vision Loss?

Living with Vision Loss Podcast What Professionals Can Help You With Vision Loss? Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT Episode Type: Educational Duration: ~8 minutes Episode Summary In this episode, Dawn introduces the team of professionals who can help you navigate life with vision loss. From ophthalmologists who manage eye disease to low vision optometrists who conduct specialized exams, and from certified low vision therapists who teach you to use devices to orientation and mobility specialists who help you navigate your environment—Dawn explains each role and how they work together to help you achieve your goals and maintain independence. What You'll Learn in This Episode The different professionals who specialize in vision loss What an ophthalmologist does and the different specialties available How a low vision optometrist exam differs from a regular eye exam The tests performed during a low vision exam What a certified low vision therapist (CLVT) and occupational therapist do The role of orientation and mobility specialists How social workers help connect you with resources and state agencies What a CATIS (Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist) does Who Is This Podcast For? People living with low vision or vision loss Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists Low Vision Professionals Explained Ophthalmologist A medical doctor trained in managing eye disease. Low Vision Optometrist A specialized optometrist who conducts detailed low vision exams. They: Use specialized charts (bigger, high contrast) to determine best corrected acuity Measure visual fields (confrontation fields, Goldman, Humphrey) Test central vision (Amsler grid) Evaluate contrast (Mars Contrast Sensitivity Test) Identify patient goals Prescribe magnification devices and technology Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) / Occupational Therapist (OT) Uses the information from the low vision doctor to create a treatment plan based on your goals. Services include: Teaching you how to use prescribed magnification devices Training on technology, apps, and screen magnification Teaching compensatory techniques (eccentric viewing, prisms) Glare evaluation and filter recommendations Lighting evaluation to improve contrast Training on non-optical devices Environmental modifications Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M) Teaches you how to be oriented in your environment and navigate to where you want to go with reduced vision. This is life-changing for people who want to travel independently. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) Teaches you how to do activities of daily living and can adapt your environment. Social Worker Helps connect you with resources Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) Teaches you how to access your computer with specialized software that can magnify print or use OCR enabling you to work with low vision or no vision. Tests Mentioned in This Episode Confrontation Fields – Basic visual field test Goldman Visual Field – Measures peripheral vision Humphrey Visual Field – Automated visual field test Amsler Grid – Tests central vision; detects wavy lines (common for macular degeneration) Mars Contrast Sensitivity Test – Measures ability to distinguish colors from background About Your Host Dawn Ciccarone is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently. She works directly with patients in clinical settings, developing personalized strategies to help them accomplish their goals. Connect & Subscribe Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Keywords: low vision professionals, ophthalmologist, low vision optometrist, certified low vision therapist, CLVT, occupational therapist, orientation and mobility specialist, CVRT, CATIS, vision rehabilitation, low vision exam, visual field test, Amsler grid, contrast sensitivity, Mars test, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, low vision devices, magnification devices, eccentric viewing, prisms Medical Disclaimer The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2026 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life