Iowa's pediatric low vision services

M E Wilkinson1, I W Stewart

  • 1Vision Rehabilitation Institute, Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, IA 52804, USA.

Journal of the American Optometric Association
|July 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Comprehensive low vision services are crucial for visually impaired children, addressing their educational and personal needs. Early intervention and ongoing care can prevent unnecessary costs for educational materials.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Optometry
  • Low Vision Rehabilitation

Background:

  • Limited literature exists on the evaluation and management of visually impaired children.
  • There is a lack of data regarding the specific characteristics and needs of this pediatric population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the characteristics of children evaluated in a low vision clinic.
  • To understand the needs of visually impaired children for educational and vocational purposes.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 762 children evaluated over 14 years.
  • Data collected from a low vision clinic program coordinated by the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School.

Main Results:

  • Analysis included age, sex, ocular condition, and visual acuity.
  • Habitual near point working distance and recommended optical devices were also examined.

Conclusions:

  • Multidisciplinary low vision services are essential for children's overall needs.
  • Consistent low vision care can lead to significant cost savings for educational services by avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Abstract

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