The Status Of Low Vision Certification In The State Of Michigan.

Background: Low vision rehabilitation services have recently become a topic of interest
in the profession of optometry due to the aging population in the United States of America. The National Eye Institute estimates that over the next 30 years, the current number of blind or visually impaired Americans will double because of the aging Baby Boomers.’ With the estimated increase in the number of Americans with vision related disabilities on the horizon, the need for optometrists who specialize in low vision rehabilitation services will increase. Methods: To assess the current status and future need for low vision providers, a survey was conducted involving the optometrists in the State of Michigan. The survey was designed to address the current number of optometrists who are low vision certified and to establish any future need for additional low vision providers in the state. Results: Based on the evaluation of survey responses, there is a current shortage of optometrists providing low vision services in the State of Michigan. There are a limited number of optometrists who consider themselves low vision rehabilitation specialists. Conclusion: The small number of optometrists in the State of Michigan who practice low vision rehabilitation, including young optometrists, will lead to a shortage of providers for the aging and visually impaired American population seeking low vision rehabilitation services.