Living with Vision Loss Podcast

Episode 11: What Is a Low Vision OT?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT | Episode Type: Educational

Episode Summary

Dawn 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 Address

Eating, dressing, grooming, phone use, cooking, shopping, reading, writing, school, work, and leisure activities

What 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 task

What to Expect

Initial evaluation + 3-6 sessions. You are in charge — you set your goals. We also consider cognition, home environment, support systems, and physical abilities.

Resources

Questions: [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, CLVT

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Consult your physician or low vision specialist before making treatment decisions.

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