BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN VISION AND VISION LOSS, CREATING A FORUM TO PROVIDE DISCUSSION ON LOW VISION ASSISTANCE:
ARTHUR L. SIEGEL, O.D.
OPTOMETRIC PHYSICIAN
LOW VISION REHABILITATIVE CARE
PROVIDING INFORMATION, EDUCATION, MOTIVATION, INSTRUCTION, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT IN A PUBLIC SPEAKING FORUM:
This website and presentations to follow were developed for those who are "crossing the bridge" from a sighted world to one less perfect from what was known. It may be a partial loss of vision to a complete loss of sight. Bridges, in general, carry us over an obstacle such as a river, ocean or valley. Vision impairment is an overwhelming obstacle.
Doctors diagnose and give the news that vision loss has become a part of one's life. However, what happens to each patient after such news has been received is too often left to that patient alone. The motivation here is to guide and assist people as they awake each day to a world of reduced sight, after the delivery of a diagnosis they are not prepared or equipped for adjusting to.
FIRST RESPONSE: Addressing these concerns in the medical practice means that a patient's doctor is the first contact one has in learning to adjust to vision loss. This has been shown to be the most promising first step available. Unfortunately, not all patients receive this additional time and discussion. When the conversation has begun, appropriate referrals are made.
Presentations are provided for patients suffering vision loss, their families, caregivers, and all professionals working with those affected by this disability. This includes doctors, teachers, counselors, and anyone unfamiliar with low vision rehabilitative care who wants to learn more in order to help others.
WHAT IS LOW VISION REHABILITATIVE CARE:
Low vision rehabilitation is the field of care which is called upon when vision loss no longer responds to a change in eyeglass correction for a significant improvement of vision. A low vision physician will assess vision needs and offer each patient whatever help is available through eyeglass corrections, counseling, education, rehabilitative skills, adaptive vision aids and direction to assistive agencies.
