Personal Message from the Low Vision Team
Our low vision rehabilitation service is one of the few centers that provide expert solutions for all the challenges that individuals with visual impairments face. If a vision loss has made it hard for you to do a simple task around your home, read your mail, pay your bills, recognize family and friends, you are not alone. 13.5 million Americans (1 in 6) 45 years of age and over say they are visually impaired (Lighthouse National Survey on Vision Loss, 1995).
We can help. Low vision rehabilitation services allow people to lead more productive lives. Our team of doctors, low vision educators, social workers, and occupational therapists are specially trained in low vision rehabiliatation. Our comprehensive program centers around a treatment plan that meets your needs. We work closely with you, your family and friends, your eye doctor, and the services available in your community. Everything we do; information, evaluation, training and technology, is aimed at helping you live as independently as possible. In addition, a professional social worker is available to provide counseling and guidance for individuals with visual impairments and their families that can help with the special problems of vision loss. Advice and help in getting needed services is available. Occupational therapy assistance is also available to help individuals with visual impairment function more efficiently with their daily living activities.
Many individuals think that treating visual impairment means "just getting a better pair of glasses," but it isn't that simple. A complete low vision rehabilitation program is needed to improve visual function and quality of life.
We are proud to be a part of the University of Iowa Center for Macular Degeneration and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. All of us are working to help you maximize your visual functioning.
© 2003-2005
The University of Iowa Center for Macular Degeneration
Contact Information