A new video highlights ophthalmology’s commitment to low vision rehabilitation

the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recently released a low vision video—titled “There is Something Else You Can Do”—that stresses the importance of making vision rehabilitation the standard of care for visually impaired patients.

It opens with David W. Parke, M.D., the CEO of the Academy, who says: “One of the things we can do as ophthalmologists is to realize the importance of referral for vision rehabilitation for any patient who is starting to lose their vision.”

To learn more about the AAO’s position on vision rehabilitation—and how it relates to optometrists and opticians—EB interviewed Philip R. Rizzuto, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the Academy.

UNDERSCORING COMMITMENT

EB: What prompted the AAO to create a video on the subject of low vision?

Dr. Rizzuto: The video is part of the Academy’s initiative to make vision rehabilitation the “standard of care” for patients who are visually impaired. This supports ophthalmology’s commitment to helping patients in every possible way.

FACILITATING HELP

EB: Low vision patients were always told “Nothing more can be done” once surgical/medical avenues were exhausted. The video stresses “the importance of referral for vision rehabilitation.” Why the change?

Dr. Rizzuto: It is our role as physicians to do all we can to promote eye health and visual development throughout our lives—from birth into our golden years. Despite major advances, we unfortunately cannot always fix or cure certain visual impairments. Patients don’t want to give up trying and nor do we. By providing information, facilitating help, and orchestrating services as early as possible (earlier than has been the norm), we will educate and motivate all involved to maximize the efficacy of treatment and provide for better outcomes.

CONTINUING CARE

EB: Dr. Parke states, “Vision rehabilitation is now the standard of care for patients losing their vision. This is something all of us…should keep in mind every day in our offices.” How can ophthalmologists turn that into practice?

Dr. Rizzuto: All ophthalmologists are encouraged to recommend vision rehabilitation as a continuum of their care and to provide information about vision rehabilitation resources.

WORKING TOGETHER

EB: What message can we deliver about working with ophthalmology, and providing low vision rehab and device dispensing?

Dr. Rizzuto: Ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, and others work well together in this setting of providing vision rehabilitation. This can be a very cooperative, team effort. Patients and the public will benefit from this cooperation and coordination.

—Grace Hewlett