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Reasons for Students to Be
Seen
at the Low Vision Clinic
Reasons for students to be seen initially at the Low
Vision Clinic or return for continued follow-up visits as recommended:
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To establish a baseline of acuity measurement and
general visual functioning level, for all students who have low
vision.
For very young children, or nonverbal children who are not able to
respond to a traditional test of acuity measurement, it may be
possible to use other methods to obtain a general indication of
their level of visual functioning or visual acuity, and to give a
prognosis for the expected levels of visual functioning they likely
will develop
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To help parents and teachers better understand
their child’s visual condition and visual functioning – “how” he/she
sees.
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To determine if there is a refractive error (need for
corrective lenses) and whether the
refractive error is significant enough to prescribe eyeglasses or
contact lenses.
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To provide information and assistance,
as needed, in the process of determining most appropriate learning
media, literacy media, and print size.
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To assess visual skills in
terms of whether or not vision is likely a major factor when there
are concerns about other developmental areas.
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To determine if low vision devices, technology
equipment, or other adaptations and accommodations will likely
enhance the student’s functioning level
and to assist educational team members with trial and/or acquisition
of recommended devices, equipment, or strategies.
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To provide reevaluation to determine if visual
functioning is improving, remaining stable or otherwise changing,
and what those changes may indicate in terms of other programming
needs; and whether the need for devices or other accommodations has
changed. A particular visual diagnosis will usually indicate a
prognosis in terms of whether or not the eye condition will remain
stable. Visual functioning should be closely monitored as one
indicator of the student’s visual status over time. Additionally, as
a result of the growth and maturation process, a student’s need for
specific devices or optical power will often change over the course
of time. It is important that students return for follow-up visits
to the low vision clinic as recommended by the Low Vision
Specialist. Educational programming decisions need to be based upon
information that is current and accurate.
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To assess vision in terms of acquiring a learner’s
permit or driver’s license when
appropriate. Many students want to learn if they can qualify
visually to eventually be able to drive. The Low Vision Specialist
has the expertise to advise individuals with low vision about this
question and to counsel the student with regard to the procedures
they will need to follow for their particular situation.
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To assess if needs in other related services are
indicated, such as orientation and
mobility services.
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