Low Vision Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy Course
Introductory to Intermediate Level Course for Occupational Therapists
Spring 2026 – Boston, Massachusetts
Average Participant Receives 3.6 AOTA CEU’s or 36 contact hours (*in order to receive the above CEU’s the learner must complete all 8 weekly lessons and 2 labs)
Visions of Independence is an AOTA Approved Provider [ID# 0000001537] of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 0000013363. This class is at the intermediate level. The assignment of 3.6 AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Occupational Therapist Consultant and Course Instructor: Karlyn M. Goodman, OTR/L
Financial Disclosures: Karlyn Goodman is an independent contractor with Visions of Independence, which is the organization presenting this course. The presenter receives compensation for each course session for her services. She has no financial relationships with other entities related to this course.
Non-Financial Disclosures: Karlyn Goodman is an independent contractor with Visions of Independence and has no personal or professional conflicts of interest related to this course. She is not affiliated with any company or organization that could influence the content of the course. She is not a member of any organization that advocates for one specific method or product discussed in this course.
Course Materials Include:
- Materials on the Course Website
- Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Practical Guide for Occupational Therapists by Stephen G. Whittaker Ph.D. FAAO OTR/L
- Making Life More Livable by Maureen Duffy
Course Policies
Provider Cancellation: A full refund will be provided to any learner if the cancellation is due to the provider.
Learner Cancellation: Any learner who withdraws prior to the start of the class will receive 100% of any fees paid in advance. After the start of the class, fees that have been paid will be refunded at a prorated rate based on where the learner is in the course at the time they withdraw.
This professional development activity is fully accessible as it offers both remote and in-person learning opportunities. This allows individuals with both physical impairments and/or sensory impairments (i.e., hearing, speech, vision), and/or emotional and learning disabilities the opportunity to modify their materials to fully access what is presented. This includes accessible technology and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The course instructor updates each lesson at the start of the course to ensure that the most up to date and relevant information is provided. When the practice group evaluates new needs within the practice group, a focus group meets and provides the practice with updated information. This information is added to the course. The materials that are provided via websites are available to be modified to promote the best learning environment. Learners can call or email the CE Administrator/Managing Director of Visions of Independence to make a request for an accommodation.
Course Objectives
Lesson 1: Overview of Low Vision Rehabilitation, Anatomy and Physiology of the Visual System
Objective 1.1: Understand the basic anatomy and physiology of the visual system, including the structure and function of the eye and visual pathways.
Objective 1.2: Identify common visual impairments associated with low vision, including central and peripheral vision loss.
Objective 1.3: Discuss the role of occupational therapy in low vision rehabilitation and its impact on clients' daily activities.
Lesson 2: Eye Diseases, the Aging Eye, Resources
Objective 2.1: Describe the most common eye diseases associated with low vision in the aging population, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Objective 2.2: Explain the effects of aging on the eye and how these changes can contribute to vision loss.
Objective 2.3: Identify available resources, support networks, and community agencies for individuals with low vision, including assistive technology options and rehabilitation services.
Lesson 3: Low Vision Clinical Assessments, Refractive and Visual Field Disorders, History/Intake, Goals, Medical Abbreviations, Eccentric Viewing
Objective 3.1: Learn about comprehensive low vision assessments.
Objective 3.2: Understand the process for setting client-centered goals in low vision rehabilitation based on the assessment findings.
Objective 3.3: Review common medical abbreviations used in low vision documentation.
Objective 3.4: Understand and demonstrate the technique of eccentric viewing to maximize visual function in individuals with central vision loss.
Lesson 4: Optical and Non-Optical Systems with Emphasis on Near/Intermediate Use, Instruction in Functional Reading and Writing, Eccentric Viewing, Scanning, Scrolling, Working Distance, Lighting, Glare Issues, Contrast, Enlarging Print, Book Stands, Guides
Objective 4.1: Explore various optical systems used for near and intermediate vision tasks, including magnifiers, electronic magnifiers, and large-print materials.
Objective 4.2: Understand non-optical strategies for reading and writing, including lighting adjustments, glare reduction, and using high-contrast materials.
Objective 4.3: Develop skills for instructing clients in the use of eccentric viewing techniques and functional reading strategies.
Objective 4.4: Demonstrate knowledge of scanning and scrolling techniques for navigating written materials.
Objective 4.5: Assess and provide recommendations for appropriate working distances, glare management, and print enlargement tools (e.g., book stands, guides).
Lesson 5: Environmental Modifications/Safety, Contrast, Lighting, Glare, Organization, Labeling, Bathing, Grooming, Dressing and Clothing Management
Objective 5.1: Identify environmental modifications that can improve safety and accessibility for individuals with low vision, including adjustments for lighting, glare, and contrast.
Objective 5.2: Develop strategies for organizing and labeling home environments to increase independence and reduce fall risk.
Objective 5.3: Teach adaptive techniques for bathing, grooming, dressing, and clothing management to promote independence for individuals with low vision.
Lesson 6: Eating, Cooking, Health Care, Telephone Use, Telling Time, Use of Money, Keys, Leisure Activities
Objective 6.1: Provide adaptive techniques for low vision clients in areas of eating and cooking, including modifying kitchen tools and techniques.
Objective 6.2: Demonstrate strategies for facilitating independence with clinical monitoring devices and medication management, including the use of adaptive tools and visual and non-visual systems.
Objective 6.3: Teach adaptive techniques for using the telephone, telling time, and managing money with low vision.
Objective 6.4: Explore adaptive strategies and technologies for leisure activities, ensuring clients maintain participation in hobbies and social interactions.
Lesson 7: Documentation and Practice Management, Additional Resources
Objective 7.1: Understand the importance of accurate documentation in low vision rehabilitation, including the use of standardized assessments, goal-setting, and progress tracking.
Objective 7.2: Identify additional resources, including government programs, insurance benefits, and non-profit organizations, that support individuals with low vision.
Objective 7.3: Develop skills for integrating low vision rehabilitation strategies into occupational therapy practice, including managing caseloads and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Lesson 8: Orientation and Mobility, Human Guide, Scanning, Depth Perception Cues, Trailing, Filters, Driving, Psychosocial Concerns
Objective 8.1: Introduce orientation and mobility techniques, including sighted guide, trailing, and using depth perception cues to navigate safely.
Objective 8.2: Explore the use of filters and other adaptive technologies to enhance vision and mobility for clients with low vision.
Objective 8.3: Discuss the psychosocial challenges faced by individuals with low vision, including the impact on mental health, social isolation, and strategies for fostering resilience and independence.
Lab 1: Low Vision Evaluation, Overview of Optical Aids, Training in Functional Reading, Reading Alternatives, Training in Functional Writing, Mobility
Objective 9.1: Conduct a comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation of patients with low vision, including applicable standardized assessments.
Objective 9.2: Demonstrate the use of various optical aids (e.g., magnifiers, telescopes) and instruct clients in their use for functional reading and writing tasks.
Objective 9.3: Train clients in alternative reading methods, such as auditory or tactile alternatives, to support functional reading.
Objective 9.4: Provide hands-on training in mobility techniques, including the use of adaptive tools and techniques for safe navigation.
Lab 2: Review of Resources/Area Agencies, Training in Adaptive Techniques and Devices for
ADL/IADL, Training in Adaptive Techniques & Devices for Eating & Cooking, Review of Standardized Assessments, Trial of Meal Preparation Tasks with Simulators and Adaptive Equipment, Home Visit Process, Home Safety Evaluation
Objective 10.1: Review and demonstrate knowledge of available resources, including area agencies and organizations that support individuals with low vision.
Objective 10.2: Train in adaptive techniques and devices for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), with a focus on eating, cooking, and home management tasks.
Objective 10.3: Conduct and evaluate standardized assessments related to low vision rehabilitation, including functional vision assessments and mobility evaluations.
Objective 10.4: Lead simulated meal preparation tasks using low vision simulators and adaptive equipment to train clients in safe cooking techniques.
Objective 10.5: Demonstrate the home visit process, including conducting a home safety evaluation and recommending modifications to improve accessibility and reduce risk of injury.