Low vision: the physician's role in rehabilitation and referral

Decreased vision in older adults is extremely common and carries a wide range of functional and emotional implications. Primary care physicians play an important part in helping patients realize that low vision or even total vision loss does not mean an end to most of life's activities. You can recommend magnifiers and other devices that enhance vision as well as nonoptical devices that help patients rely on other senses. Your role also includes providing emotional support and making referrals to a rehabilitation clinic or support group when appropriate.