Perceptions of Low Vision Rehabilitation Optometry among Rehabilitative Professionals

Background: Low vision (LV) optometrists are eye care providers who specialize in LV rehabilitation. LV optometrists prescribe special assistive devices and techniques to help the patient with LV achieve their visual goals and are largely responsible for coordinating the care of patients with other LV professionals. Other LV professionals include, but are not limited to, ophthalmologists, occupational therapists, vision rehabilitation therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and rehabilitation counselors. Because LV optometrists are involved in coordinating patient care with other rehabilitation professionals, a better understanding of the relationship between LV optometrists and other vision rehabilitation professionals is warranted. Gauging non-optometry LV rehabilitation professionals’ perceptions of LV optometry may be useful in promoting positive interprofessional relationships. These positive relationships may ultimately improve LV rehabilitation outcomes through better continuity of care for the patient. Methods: An anonymous 13-question survey was sent to over 95 vision rehabilitation professionals. Respondents assessed their level of agreement with 10 statements related to LV optometry, choosing from five options ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”. Results: A total of 44 respondents completed the survey. The vast majority of respondents (97.72%) agreed that there is a shortage of LV optometrists, and 90.91%
agree that LV optometrists play an important function in caring for the patient with LV. Conclusion: More LV optometrists are needed to fill an important role in the multidisciplinary approach to caring for the LV patient. LV optometrists should serve a central role in coordinating care with other providers, and efforts should be made to improve communication to better accomplish this role.