There are medical practitioners and allied health professionals who specialise in working with people who are blind or vision impaired. They are referred to as vision and sight specialists.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
A range of vision and sight specialists with specific roles are able to assist a person who is blind or vision impaired in the workplace, to maximise their independence. Vision and sight specialists include:
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine which specialises in the medical and surgical treatment of the eyes. Ophthalmologists diagnose, monitor and treat eye conditions. They can prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and may perform surgery.
Ophthalmologists often work closely with orthoptists to assist with eye examinations.
Optometrist
An optometrist specialises in the management of eye or visual system disorders. They conduct eye and vision assessments to detect eye conditions and disease, including short sightedness, long sightedness or astigmatism.
Optometrists prescribe glasses and contact lenses and provide recommendations for low vision aids.
Orthoptists
Orthopists diagnose and manage eye movement disorders, eye muscle disorders and associated eye complaints. They provide assessment of vision and devise therapeutic strategies, exercises and treatment to maximise vision.
Orthopists can also conduct specialised diagnostic testing and provide training and education to people who are blind or have low vision.
Adaptive technology specialists
Adaptive technology specialists can recommend a wide range of equipment and adaptive technology to assist people who are blind or vision impaired to maximise their independence.
Adaptive technology can include video magnifiers (CCTV’s), screen readers, mobile phone technology and adjustable lamps. Adaptive technology specialists can also provide education and advice regarding magnification, lighting and contrast to assist people with daily activities.
Other allied health professionals that can assist people who are blind or vision impaired in the workplace include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, orientation and mobility instructors and specialist teachers.
References
Optometrists Association Australia 2011, Optometrists Association Australia, Carlton, viewed 14 November 2011, http://www.optometrists.asn.au/.
Vision Australia 2010, Vision Australia, Sydney, viewed 14 November 2011, Enfield, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/.