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WHAT WE DO
Initial Evaluation by Doctor:
CSVR provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation to all patients. This includes an initial comprehensive and thorough evaluation of visual function by a M.D. or O.D. The evaluation and interview usually takes an hours.
CSVR is the only facility in Alabama, outside of the UAB Low Vision Clinic in Birmingham, to provide such a professional evaluation for low vision.
This initial evaluation includes determination of visual acuity, a timed reading test of function and acuity, determination of contrast sensitivity and a visual field evaluation. The initial interview determines the patient's goals and helps in planning strategies to reach those individual goals.
The initial evaluation may result in recommendation of further tests or consultations. However, it should be noted that CSVR does not provide primary eye care, and all patients must be seen on regular intervals by their own Eye Doctor.
Following the initial evaluation, the doctor may then recommend further training by an Occupational Therapist, a trial of one or more of the many aids and devices available, or refer the patient to an appropriate resource or agency. Most patients will have multiple things suggested.
Occupational Therapy:
Occupational Therapists specialize in training people to use different ways of adapting to a change in their capabilities. They have a Master's degree and must pass a rigorous licensing examination to earn their "OTR/L" title. They are uniquely qualified to help those with vision loss. (See "Our Staff" link). At our office we have Occupational Therapists, who will help those with vision loss to continue to perform their usual duties, hobbies and remain as independent and functional as possible. They demonstrate and train patients in the many ways to adapt to the problems and limitations of vision loss. They show how to do things like cook, sew, write, do financial affairs and correspondence.
They can also help those with recent central vision loss become aware of the nature of their problem, and help develop the best strategies for using peripheral vision. This is "Preferred Retinal Locus (PRL) awareness and training". PRL awareness and training often improves visual function even without use of magnifiers and devices.
The Occupational Therapist's services are ordinarily covered by Medicare and health insurance, as with a doctor's visit. Call us if you have any questions.
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