Barbara Smith Low Vision
Occupational Therapy Services are now available:
North Shore Massachusetts
All fees covered by Medicare
Ask your doctor to prescribe services
Email for information: BsmithOTR@msn.com
Here are
just few of the things I do during a low vision occupational
therapy home visit:
Examine
patient's lighting set-ups. I usually amaze them with how much easier
it is to see when using a goose neck lamp that shines on the reading or
work material.
Discuss the
variety of magnification options that range from strong glasses
prescribed by a low vision optometrist to the magnifier lamp I bought
at Staples. I explain the difference between a hand-held vs. a
stand magnifier.
Check for
sources of glare and recommend changes to avoid glare.
Provide low
vision product catalogs and brochures about the patient's specific
disease.
Provide samples
of yellow bold lined paper, enlarged check registry and puzzles.
Recommend ways
to increase color contrast in the home.
Put bump dots
on appliance dial settings or other tactile cues as needed.
Teach patients
with macular degeneration eccentric viewing and teach patients with
glaucoma scanning techniques.
Set-up optimal
conditions for reading with clip board, lighting, magnifier etc.
Explain
available technologies including the CCTV and magnifier setting on the
computer.
Explain use
of enlargement to see better, i.e. large numbered clocks,
telephones, large print bank checks, calendars etc.
Teach mobility
trailing skills when needed.
Demonstrate
adaptive equipment for daily living skills such as needle threading
machine and color contrast cutting boards.
Recommend ways
to be safer i.e. remove throw rugs, use liquid soap, large oven mitts,
bright colors on furniture edges, steps, recommend railings.
Evaluate
patient as possible candidate for low vision optometrist
evaluation/glasses.
Referrals for
other social services or assistance.
