Posted on October 30, 2002 at 2:12 p.m.

WHAT:

UAB has opened the Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation, the nation’s first fully integrated low vision rehabilitation center, combining the expertise of four medical professions in one clinic; ophthalmology, optometry, occupational therapy and psychology.

WHY:

Low vision is a visual impairment not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. Approximately 14 million Americans, one out of every 20 people, have low vision.

WHEN/WHERE:

An official opening celebration is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 1. A ribbon cutting and tours of the new facility will take place at 12:30 at the center on the third floor of the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital, 1720 University Blvd. UAB president Dr. Carol Garrison and other university leaders will make dedicatory remarks at noon. Dr. Gordon Legge of the University of Minnesota, one of the nation’s leading low vision researchers, will present a lecture to faculty entitled Reading & Low Vision: Recent Research Findings at 7:30 a.m.

VISUALS:

A variety of high-tech magnifying and distance viewing devices, along with sophisticated diagnostic equipment, will be available for visuals.

BACKGROUND:

“We are changing how low vision rehabilitation is done by combining the key disciplines involved in treatment: ophthalmology, optometry, occupational therapy and psychology,” says Fletcher. There are techniques that can be employed to help people with low vision continue to function and live full lives, from magnifying glasses to sophisticated electronic devices and computer-assisted imaging equipment. The center has the only scanning laser ophthalmoscope in Alabama and other high-tech machines such as the Dynavision 2000, which trains patients to understand and cope with their particular vision loss, and the Jordy, a portable distance video magnifier worn in front of the eyes. One unique component of the center is the role of occupational therapists, who train low vision patients in the proper use of the many vision-enhancing devices available. UAB’s occupational therapy training program in the School of Health Related Professions has the most comprehensive curriculum in the country in low vision rehabilitation.