Transportation
Vision Rehabilitation for Adults
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Do you have any of the following visual problems?
- Double vision
- Partial or full visual field loss, bumping into doorway or objects
- Difficulty focusing or shifting from near to far objects
- Eye strain or fatigue after reading or using eyes for a short time
- Dizziness/nausea when looking at a stationary or moving object
- Losing track of a moving object or trying to find an item in a busy visual setting such as in a market or department store
- Reading smoothly from line to line; lose place
- Difficulty seeing if there is glare or a low light setting such as restaurant
- Difficulty with depth perception
These problems may result from the aging process or a brain injury such as a stroke or head trauma. Occupational therapy can identify if any of the conditions would benefit from modifying how activities are done or a home program to improve visual function. Generally, a vision exam by your eye professional, ophthalmologist or optometrist, is advisable at least annually. After brain injury or changes from aging, more frequent monitoring may be recommended by your physician.
There is a common misconception that if you have blurred vision after a medical event that lenses and an eye exam should be deferred for 3-6 months. However, this delay may affect safety and not allow you to regain visual skills for your daily routine.
If you have double vision, it is preferable to avoid wearing a “pirate patch” unless there is no other alternative. Patching one eye will get rid of the double image, but deprive your brain of input from the other eye. Partial occlusion is preferred if possible. The Occupational Therapist will collaborate with your physician to decide on the best treatment method.
Partial occlusion with translucent taping will allow your vital peripheral vision to remain active with daily activities and movement. This method requires continuous monitoring and adjustment by your eye professional, physician and therapist.
Farrell Sheffield, OTR/L, HTC, CDRS is an Occupational Therapist, certified as a Driving Rehab Specialist, with advanced practice in hand therapy. A graduate from University of Southern California with a degree in Occupational Therapy, she has been a clinician for more than 25 years in hospital, outpatient, and home health settings, working with children and adults with physical disabilities. She has a passion for Visual Rehabilitation and is a member of the Neuro–Optometric Rehabilitation Association. Mrs. Sheffield is the founder and coordinator of a Driving Rehabilitation hospital based program in San Diego County, and received driving instructor training in 2002 from the California Driving School Inc. She was appointed 2004 Association of Occupational Therapy Driver/ Driving Network Coordinator.