Living with Vision Loss Podcast

What Professionals Can Help You With Vision Loss?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational

Duration: ~8 minutes

Episode Summary

In 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 Episode

1. The different professionals who specialize in vision loss
2. What an ophthalmologist does and the different specialties available
3. How a low vision optometrist exam differs from a regular eye exam
4. The tests performed during a low vision exam (visual field, contrast sensitivity, Amsler grid)
5. What a certified low vision therapist (CLVT) and occupational therapist do
6. The role of orientation and mobility specialists
7. How social workers help connect you with resources and state agencies
8. What a CATIS (Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist) does

Who Is This Podcast For?

1. People living with low vision or vision loss
2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
3. Friends who want to understand how to help
4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

Low Vision Professionals Explained

Ophthalmologist

A medical doctor trained in managing eye disease. Specialties include:

1. Glaucoma specialists
2. Retina specialists

Low Vision Optometrist

A specialized optometrist who conducts detailed low vision exams. They:

1. Use specialized charts (bigger, high contrast) to determine best corrected acuity
2. Measure visual fields (confrontation fields, Goldman, Humphrey)
3. Test central vision with the Amsler grid
4. Evaluate contrast sensitivity (Mars Contrast Sensitivity Test)
5. Identify patient goals
6. Prescribe magnification devices and technology

Certified 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:

1. Teaching you how to use prescribed magnification devices
2. Training on technology, apps, and screen magnification
3. Teaching compensatory techniques (eccentric viewing, prisms)
4. Glare evaluation and filter recommendations
5. Lighting evaluation to improve contrast
6. Training on non-optical devices (specialized tools for cutting, pouring, writing)
7. Environmental modifications

Orientation 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 Worker

Helps connect you with resources for people with visual impairment, including:

1. State agencies (Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services)
2. Benefits you may qualify for
3. Financial assistance for low vision devices

Certified 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 Episode

1. Confrontation Fields – Basic visual field test
2. Goldman Visual Field – Measures peripheral vision
3. Humphrey Visual Field – Automated visual field test
4. Amsler Grid – Tests central vision; detects wavy lines (common for macular degeneration)
5. Mars Contrast Sensitivity Test – Measures ability to distinguish colors from background

About Your Host

Dawn 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.

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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, prisms

Medical Disclaimer

The 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.

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