Living with Vision Loss Podcast

What Professionals Can Help You With Vision Loss?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational

Duration: ~8 minutes

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dawn introduces the team of professionals who can help you navigate life with vision loss. From ophthalmologists who manage eye disease to low vision optometrists who conduct specialized exams, and from certified low vision therapists who teach you to use devices to orientation and mobility specialists who help you navigate your environment—Dawn explains each role and how they work together to help you achieve your goals and maintain independence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. The different professionals who specialize in vision loss
2. What an ophthalmologist does and the different specialties available
3. How a low vision optometrist exam differs from a regular eye exam
4. The tests performed during a low vision exam (visual field, contrast sensitivity, Amsler grid)
5. What a certified low vision therapist (CLVT) and occupational therapist do
6. The role of orientation and mobility specialists
7. How social workers help connect you with resources and state agencies
8. What a CATIS (Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist) does

Who Is This Podcast For?

1. People living with low vision or vision loss
2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
3. Friends who want to understand how to help
4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

Low Vision Professionals Explained

Ophthalmologist

A medical doctor trained in managing eye disease. Specialties include:

1. Glaucoma specialists
2. Retina specialists

Low Vision Optometrist

A specialized optometrist who conducts detailed low vision exams. They:

1. Use specialized charts (bigger, high contrast) to determine best corrected acuity
2. Measure visual fields (confrontation fields, Goldman, Humphrey)
3. Test central vision with the Amsler grid
4. Evaluate contrast sensitivity (Mars Contrast Sensitivity Test)