Low Vision Considerations


a. Using Visual Landmarks

  • Landmarks are an important piece of orienting to an environment. An individual without any usable vision will rely on tactual landmarks and knowledge to orient themselves to an environment, such as the front door. An individual with some usable vision may be able to visually determine and locate landmarks and this will significantly help with their abilities to orient to an environment.

b. Fluctuating Vision

  • Various conditions are associated with fluctuating vision.

    • Vision can fluctuate depending on lighting circumstances as well as level of eye fatigue. The fact that a child's vision fluctuates should be considered and kept in mind at all levels of orientation and mobility instruction to ensure that the student is able to navigate as safely and independently as possible at all levels of their vision fluctuation.

c. Lighting Adjustments

  • Lighting plays an important role in safety and independence. Lighting needs will vary from one individual to another as it depends on the visual functioning. In general, lighting should illuminate the entire room evenly and task lighting can be added to areas where additional lighting may be needed.

  • There are various ways to optimize lighting and reduce glare

    • Maximize natural light by cleaning windows and using adjustable window coverings to allow control of the natural lighting.

    • Place lamps in areas where additional task lighting may be needed taking careful consideration to potential glare it may cause.

    • Install dimmer switches

    • Place shields over fluorescent lighting to reduce glare

    • Use matte paint on walls instead of shiny to reduce glare.

d. Determining Need for an Optical Device

  • Optical devices are prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist specializing in low vision. O&M specialists or Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments can recommend a clinical low vision evaluation. Initial instruction of those prescribed devices is provided by the clinical low vision specialist while educators and caregivers reinforce this instruction and use in the home, school, and community.

e. Using an Optical Device Inside the Classroom and Buildings

  • Students may feel embarrassed to use their optical devices.

  • Optical devices can be cumbersome, cosmetically unappealing, expensive, and can require extensive practice and training.

  • As students get older and self-confidence develops, they learn the importance and realize the value of their optical device in regards to their safety and independent functioning.

f. Teaching Suggestions/Observations

  • Embed instruction into daily routines to provide short, frequent, low stress exposure.

  • Be understanding and conscientious of the social implications that students are faced with when it comes to their various tech tools.