It’s not always easy to pinpoint exactly what OTs (and OTAs under OT supervision) can do in a school-based setting when it comes to vision.
What vision deficits can we treat?
OTs routinely assess for visual perceptual deficits, but there’s a catch. Are our assessments working if our children can’t see properly?
There is a lot more to vision than identifying the need for a vision screening for glasses.
Many visual efficiency deficits can—and should—be treated by school occupational therapists!
Here’s what OTs and OTAs (under the supervision of an OT) can do to work on vision in the school setting:
- Screen and evaluate
- Administer standardized tests
- Developing goals
- Develop intervention plans
- Monitor progress
- Provide direct intervention
- Document service
For eye movement problems, binocular vision, accommodation, and visual perceptual skills
Get this quick reference sheet about our vision capabilities. It’s also good for parents and other school professionals.
The other option is that our kids may have vision difficulties that can interfere with their occupational performance in school. Occupation therapists can easily screen for problems in visual efficiency, they just need to learn now!
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Thank you for this important information!
I’m interested in this course,since I know about this vision 101,I developed a habit of asking report from the optometrist and the unfortunate part I cannot read that report,so I’m very sure this course will help me to help our learns struggling at school.
Good to know
The OT can also refer to the Teacher of Visual Impairments – it may be a functional vision issue in which we are trained to assess and accommodate for.
Occupational Therapists can also assess and accommodate functional vision issues.
I am a reading specialist working with a dyslexic student population. These children frequently exhibit this challenge. Is this course appropriate for someone with a special education background?
Hi Denise,
No- this course is geared toward OT assessment and treatment.
I am a Physical Therapist very well informed about this Do you have CEU oportunities for PT as well Id love to sign up but dont want to unless have CEUs’ I am in Texas Thanks
Hi Patricia,
We have had some PTs take the course but unfortunately, there are no PT ceus.