Pediatric Low Vision Rehabilitation Program
Our division recruited Terry Schwartz, MD, Professor of Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Rebecca Coakley, MA, CLVT, to build a comprehensive low vision program in Ohio and the surrounding states. They have worked together for the past 16 years building a low vision rehabilitation program around the world. We recruited Kelly Lusk, PhD, to lead the research for this program.
The program provides access to the visual environment for children from age 3 through high school who have permanent vision impairment. It provides comprehensive eye evaluation, low vision devices, evaluates children for assistive technology, screens for orientation and mobility and recommends classroom adaptations. A low vision device library dispenses magnification aides as well as non-optical devices. Follow up services are included in the evaluation.
Our goal is to collaborate with the regional education system and teachers of the visually impaired to provide children with the tools to become independent and employable by optimizing visual function both at home and school. This team has successfully collaborated with other departments to gain outside funding to increase the scope and delivery of this specialized service.
