Low Vision Rehabilitation/1ː What is low vision and low vision rehabilitation?/Low vision service models and barriers to access

Task

Working with the members of your group, read the following two articles and answer the questions below.

• Matti AI et. al. Access to low-vision rehabilitation services: barriers and enablers. Clin Exp Optom: 2011; 94(2).
• O’Connor PM et. al. Access and utilization of a new low-vision rehabilitation service. Clin Exp Ophthal: 2008; 36(6)

You will need to access this article by O'Connor et. al. via the La Trobe University library. Once you logon you will be directed to the correct issue, scroll down to find the paper you are looking for.

1. What is the definition of “low-vision” according to O’Connor?
2. How does Matti define “low-vision rehabilitation”? Does this differ from what your perception of it had been? Explain.
3. How many patients access low-vision services in Australia and what factors stop them from doing so?
4. Describe the differences in the provision of low vision services across Australia and across different agencies, as indicated in the article by Matti.
5. Briefly describe the referral process/patient journey as described by Matti. What criticisms/comments do you have about this process? How could it be improved?
6. In the studies by Matti and O’Connor what are the main barriers that inhibit low-vision patients from accessing services?
7. What do you think could be done to help improve access to low-vision rehabilitation services in Australia?