Optometry residency in low vision rehabilitation: a cooperative program

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Optometry
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Low vision rehabilitation requires specialized clinical skills.
• There is a need for optometrists trained to lead multidisciplinary low vision programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and describe a cooperative optometry residency program in low vision rehabilitation.
• To train optometrists for leadership roles in developing and directing clinical low vision services.

Main Methods:

• A cooperative residency program was established by multiple institutions.
• Training includes clinical rotations in various settings (inpatient, outpatient, specialized centers).

Main Results:

• The residency provides comprehensive experience in low vision rehabilitation.
• Trainees gain skills in diverse clinical settings and patient populations.

Conclusions:

• The program offers unique, comprehensive training for low vision rehabilitation specialists.
• Graduates will be prepared to direct and advance low vision care in multidisciplinary environments.