Episode 3: What Professionals Can Help You With Vision Loss?

Living with Vision Loss PodcastWhat Professionals Can Help You With Vision Loss?Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVTEpisode Type: EducationalDuration: ~8 minutesEpisode SummaryIn 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 EpisodeThe different professionals who specialize in vision lossWhat an ophthalmologist does and the different specialties availableHow a low vision optometrist exam differs from a regular eye examThe tests performed during a low vision exam (visual field, contrast sensitivity, Amsler grid)What a certified low vision therapist (CLVT) and occupational therapist doThe role of orientation and mobility specialistsHow social workers help connect you with resources and state agenciesWhat a CATIS (Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist) doesWho Is This Podcast For?People living with low vision or vision lossFamily members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairmentsFriends who want to understand how to helpHealthcare professionals seeking to better understand low visionOccupational therapists and rehabilitation specialistsLow Vision Professionals ExplainedOphthalmologistA medical doctor trained in managing eye disease. Specialties include:Glaucoma specialistsRetina specialistsLow Vision OptometristA specialized optometrist who conducts detailed low vision exams. They:Use specialized charts (bigger, high contrast) to determine best corrected acuityMeasure visual fields (confrontation fields, Goldman, Humphrey)Test central vision with the Amsler gridEvaluate contrast sensitivity (Mars Contrast Sensitivity Test)Identify patient goalsPrescribe magnification devices and technologyCertified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) / Occupational Therapist (OT)Uses the information from the low vision doctor to create a treatment plan based on your goals. Services include:Teaching you how to use prescribed magnification devicesTraining on technology, apps, and screen magnificationTeaching compensatory techniques (eccentric viewing, prisms)Glare evaluation and filter recommendationsLighting evaluation to improve contrastTraining on non-optical devices (specialized tools for cutting, pouring, writing)Environmental modificationsOrientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M)Teaches you how to be oriented in your environment and navigate to where you want to go with reduced vision. This is life-changing for people who want to travel independently.Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT)Teaches you how to do activities of daily living in your home and can adapt your environment.Social WorkerHelps connect you with resources for people with visual impairment, including:State agencies (Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services)Benefits you may qualify forFinancial assistance for low vision devicesCertified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS)Teaches you how to access your computer with specialized software that can magnify print or use OCR enabling you to work with low vision or no vision.Tests Mentioned in This EpisodeConfrontation Fields – Basic visual field testGoldman Visual Field – Measures peripheral visionHumphrey Visual Field – Automated visual field testAmsler Grid – Tests central vision; detects wavy lines (common for macular degeneration)Mars Contrast Sensitivity Test – Measures ability to distinguish colors from backgroundAbout Your HostDawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently. She works directly with patients in clinical settings, developing personalized strategies to help them accomplish the activities that matter most to them.Connect & SubscribeDon't miss an episode! Subscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.Keywords: low vision professionals, ophthalmologist, low vision optometrist, certified low vision therapist, CLVT, occupational therapist, orientation and mobility specialist, CVRT, CATIS, vision rehabilitation, low vision exam, visual field test, Amsler grid, contrast sensitivity, Mars test, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, low vision devices, magnification devices, eccentric viewing, prismsMedical DisclaimerThe information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life