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Visual rehabilitation. The challenge, responsibility, and reward
1Wheaton Eye Clinic, IL 60187.
Background:
A multispecialty ophthalmology clinic created a not-for-profit foundation to establish a center for visual rehabilitation.
Methods:
The Center's objective of equipping and enabling visually impaired people to lead more productive, independent, and satisfying lives by improving their remaining functional sight is performed through a four-phase program comprised of an intake interview, low vision examination, rehabilitation training, and counseling.
Results:
Since its inception in 1986, the Center has cared for 947 females and 511 males. Although the majority of the patients examined are 61 to 90 years of age, all age groups have received care, including 41 patients younger than 10 years of age and 42 patients 91 years of age or older.
Conclusion:
The role of the ophthalmologist in the visual rehabilitation process is pivotal. The author acknowledges that most practices are unable to develop such a center. A number of suggestions are made, however, that may enable many practices to participate in the rehabilitation of their patients.