Simply spending a few minutes at the end of a consultation to discuss options with a low vision patient can be a life-altering interaction, writes Vision Australia’s Nabill Jacob.
Eyecare professionals recognise modern medicine and new technologies have enormous benefits for patients with visual problems, but it’s important to remember many who lose their sight need help beyond what can be achieved with science and optics alone.
Unless you have had personal experience with sight loss – whether it’s progressive disease or an immediate loss – it is hard to imagine the life-altering impact. In most cases, the adaption needed is detrimental to the quality of that person’s life. All patients react differently; some may not yet be ready to accept it and the subsequent loss of independence.
“Maintaining independent living is arguably the most important support, we as clinicians, should preserve.”
Things like general mobility and navigation, digital communication, employment, socialising, shopping and medication management.
In addition, many studies have indicated the significant risk of falls or other injuries, exclusion and depression as vision decreases. Safety often threatens a person’s ability to remain in their own home. Maintaining independent living is arguably the most important support, we as clinicians, should preserve. The loss of something as simple as being able to read can be devastating.
What dispensers can do
Anecdotally, approximately 60% of low vision patients still wear glasses to help. Of all the eye professions, optical dispensers probably spend the most time with a patient assisting with optical needs in an arguably more relaxed and less clinical environment. Optical enhancement of their vision will be minimal in most cases, but this is where increasing the scope of your role may be beneficial.
Being able to explain a low vision condition and options, other than optical ones, can benefit the patient greatly. Making yourself aware of the specialised services Vision Australia provides to can be life-changing too.
As part of the eyecare team the optical dispenser is crucial. We know sometimes the optometrist may have already referred or discussed low vision services but hearing the same message twice can reinforce the message. Of course, sometimes things slips through the cracks and the optical dispenser can be the last line of defence.
helping a vision impaired patient
The great news is that life doesn’t stop after vision loss. By assessing a patient’s sight, namely their functional vision, Vision Australia can determine the best pathway. This may be maximising any remaining vision with more specialised optical aids, vision substitution e.g. use of senses such as hearing and/or touch, as well as looking at adapting that person’s physical environment.
Vision Australia can tailor strategies, services, aids and the latest technology, to achieve a patient’s personal goals and aspirations.
Regardless of remaining vision, or the stage of life whether it be a newborn or older Australian, Vision Australia can provide a one-stop-shop of services:
• Low vision orthoptist functional vision assessment, advice, optical aid options and prescription
• In-home assessment and modification by occupational therapists to promote safe and improved living spaces
• Mobility training to develop the confidence and skill to safely navigate the environs. This may include using a white cane with or without a Seeing Eye Dog
• Technology consultants can recommend a range of adaptive technology options based on individual requirements
• Support to prepare for, gain and stay in meaningful employment
• Facilitate understanding and access to the NDIS or My Aged Care funding streams
• Vision Australia radio and audio library introduction, with access to thousands of publications in multiple languages
• Age-appropriate social support groups
• In house direct access to retail aids, equipment and technology with expert retail staff to assist.
And yes, optical dispensers can refer, with a few things to note and some key criteria:
• The patient needs to be diagnosed with a permanent, non-correctable or progressive eye condition
• If you have any concerns that vision impairment is putting a patient at risk
• When a patient needs support adjusting to vision loss
• When vision loss starts to impact the quality of daily life
• Refer sooner rather than later when visual acuity and/or visual fields may be significantly impacted (e.g. < 6/12)
• The gradual introduction of the Oculo e-referral platform is ensuring a seamless referral option
Vision Australia has 150-plus years of providing services and programs to the blind and low vision community in Australia.
This is done in various ways including telehealth and outreach services across and/or through their 30 offices nationally. The message is simple: easy and timely referral to Vision Australia can be life-changing and even life-saving for a newly diagnosed or long-suffering vision impaired patient.
Even if a patient isn’t ready, planting a seed of hope that expert and compassionate help is available for them live the life they choose is important.
A few minutes spent during your consultation can make all the difference.
About the author: Nabill Jacob is an orthoptist and the clinical relationship manager at Vision Australia.
