Affiliations: Private Practice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto,
Ontario, Canada | Low Vision Rehabilitation Program, Department of
Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Trillium Health Center, Mississauga, Ontario,
Canada
Abstract: This paper presents the case of a 47-year-old female with low vision
secondary to high myopic macular degeneration who remains active in the work
force as a spiritual and religious care coordinator for a large institution. An
ophthalmologist with a specialty in low vision rehabilitation initially
assessed the client. The ophthalmologist prescribed optical devices which used
residual retinal vision available at preferred retinal loci. This availed
better vision for viewing targets located at far, near and intermediate
distances from the client. An optician provided and dispensed the devices
prescribed to the client. Additionally, the ophthalmologist made a referral to
an occupational therapist. The occupational therapist conducted a series of
sessions to further enhance reading and writing skills and a work place
assessment aimed at optimizing workplace conditions in order to achieve optimal
functional vision. This case illustrates and emphasizes the multi-disciplinary
nature of low vision rehabilitation, which involved in this case co-operation
between ophthalmology, occupational therapy and opticianry.
