As an occupational therapist, you notice Mike, a 66-year-old from your faith community, is having difficulty with his vision when participating in the community garden. He asks you who could help him figure out what is going on with his vision. You recommend which of the following vision professionals?
A) Optometrist
B) Ophthalmologist
C) Vision rehabilitation therapist
D) Mental health service provider

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A number of team members, in addition to occupational therapy practitioners, work with clients with low vision (see Table 14-2). Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs) who diagnose and treat eye diseases, prescribe medications, and perform surgery. Optometrists are doctors of optometry (ODs) who treat refractive errors with glasses, contacts, and magnifiers. Vision rehabilitation therapists receive referrals from state or non-profit agencies to provide training in the home for adaptive techniques to perform everyday activities and modify the environment. Orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists are consulted for difficulties in mobility and provide training for people to travel safely using devices such as canes, guide dogs, and/or electronic devices. They teach people to take public transportation on their own and also receive referrals through the state or a nonprofit agency. Mental health service providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and/or social workers may be consulted to assist with psychosocial difficulties in coping and adjusting to low vision. They may address such issues as anxiety, frustration, fear, anger, and depression. Finally, family members often transport the client to appointments, may perform home modifications for the client, and assist in follow-through with home programs. Family members of the visually impaired are often more involved than are family members of other populations with functional deficits.

As an Occupational Therapist, You Notice Mike, a 66-Year-Old from Your