Episode 11: What is a Low Vision Occupational Therapist?

Living with Vision Loss PodcastEpisode 11: What Is a Low Vision OT?Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT | Episode Type: EducationalEpisode SummaryDawn explains what a low vision OT does after 25+ years in the field. She covers evaluations, activities of daily living addressed, and how treatment is personalized to your goals—from eccentric viewing for macular degeneration to glare evaluations and non-optical devices.What We AddressEating, dressing, grooming, phone use, cooking, shopping, reading, writing, school, work, and leisure activitiesWhat We Do in Treatment• Adapt phones/iPads to your print size and contrast needs• Teach eccentric viewing (shift blind spot to see faces/words) and scanning techniques• Work with prisms (yoked, Fresnel, Eli Peli) for visual field loss• Glare evaluations (indoor, outdoor, nighttime, computer) and filter recommendations• Teach non-optical devices (signature guides, liquid indicators)Real-Life Examples• Eating: Clock method, change dish color for contrast, Seeing AI Describe feature• Medication/Cooking: Handheld magnifier, video magnifier, apps — then practice the actual taskWhat to ExpectInitial evaluation + 3-6 sessions. You are in charge — you set your goals. We also consider cognition, home environment, support systems, and physical abilities.ResourcesQuestions: [email protected] | YouTube: Search "Living with Vision Loss Dawn Ciccarone"OTs interested in specializing in vision — reach out to Dawn!Keywords: low vision OT, occupational therapy, eccentric viewing, macular degeneration, scanning techniques, glare evaluation, prism glasses, vision rehabilitation, CLVTMedical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Consult your physician or low vision specialist before making treatment decisions.Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2026 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life