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Evaluation and Management of the Patient with Low Vision

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Albert and Jakobiec's Principles and Practice of Ophthalmology

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Abstract

Low vision typically is defined as chronic visual impairments that limit the person’s ability to perform his or her usual daily activities and is a major cause of functional limitations (e.g., reading and driving) and disability. When medical solutions cannot restore sight and function, low vision rehabilitation services aim to manage functional deficits by maximizing visual ability, thus minimizing dependency on others and risk of depression, injury, and decline in general health. Standardized assessments including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual field, along with understanding key patient characteristics as obtained through a comprehensive intake, inform the multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation professionals on treatment and management. A plan of care focuses on optimizing remaining sight, providing vision enhancement through lighting, optical and electronic means, sensory substitution, education, and counseling. Herein, we provide details of key evaluation and management considerations in a person with low vision.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lions Vision Research and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Judith E. Goldstein

  2. Marshall B. Ketchum University Southern California College of Optometry, Fullerton, CA, USA

    Ashley D. Deemer

Authors
  1. Judith E. Goldstein
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  2. Ashley D. Deemer
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Judith E. Goldstein .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University Department of Ophthalmology, Portland, OR, USA

    Daniel Albert

  2. Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA

    Joan Miller

  3. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Ophthalmology, Chicago, IL, USA

    Dimitri Azar

  4. Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Lucy H. Young

Section Editor information

  1. Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, USA

    Robert Massof

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Goldstein, J.E., Deemer, A.D. (2021). Evaluation and Management of the Patient with Low Vision. In: Albert, D., Miller, J., Azar, D., Young, L.H. (eds) Albert and Jakobiec's Principles and Practice of Ophthalmology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90495-5_243-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90495-5_243-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-90495-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-90495-5

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