Author: Dolly Bhargava
This section presents information on the assessment process and the various team members who can assist the student. A comprehensive evaluation of the student’s functional vision should take place so that the student can receive appropriate intervention and services (Lewis & Allman, 2000). To fully evaluate the visual condition, abilities and needs of the student, professionals should use a two - fold approach.
Diagnosis
This involves a vision examination by an eye-care professional (either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist) to verify that the student has a vision impairment. Table 2 below describes the various roles of the professionals involved in this process.
Health Professionals |
Role |
Doctor/General Practitioner |
Examines the eyes by carrying out a basic visual screening. Refers patients to the appropriate health care professionals, such as optometrists and ophthalmologists. |
Ophthalmologist specializing in low vision |
A medical doctor, who diagnoses and provides treatment for defects/diseases/injuries of the eye, performs surgery, prescribes and administers medication for the eye. |
Optometrist specializing in low vision
|
Diagnoses, prescribes glasses, provides vision therapy and low-vision devices. Provides functional instruction for defects/diseases/injuries of the eye without prescribing and administering medication or performing eye surgery. |
Developing an Invention Plan
Once a visual impairment has been identified, step two involves creating a plan for action or the IEP that meets the abilities and needs of the student. It is important to do this through a team approach. Table 3 below describes the various team members. The team can be comprised of a variety of educational specialists, such as a certified teacher of students who are visually impaired, and orientation and mobility specialists. The team also includes other health professionals such as occupational therapists, orthoptists and speech and language pathologists. The membership of the team will depend on the needs and abilities of the student. Therefore, your team may not always include all the people listed below.
Educational Staff |
Role |
Orientation and Mobility Trainer |
|
Visiting Teacher for students with visual impairment/ Vision Support Teacher |
|
Health Professional |
Role |
Occupational Therapist |
|
Orthoptist specializing in low vision
|
|
Optician |
|
Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist |
|
School Psychologist/ Educational Diagnostician |
|
Social Worker |
|
Speech/ Language Pathologist |
|
As you can see, a variety of professionals can provide support and assistance to help the student participate successfully in the classroom.
Vision Impairment
Chapter 1: The Spirit of Inclusion
Chapter 2: Definitions, Identification, and Professionals
Chapter 3: Technological and Medical Interventions
Chapter 4: Teaching Strategies and Accommodations
Chapter 5: Activities
Chapter 6: Social Skills
Chapter 7: Counseling Students with Vision Impairment
Chapter 8: Working with Families
Chapter 9: Research and Reflections