Premier Visiting Nurse recognizes that low vision interferes with a patient’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Low vision also increase the risks for falls and injury at home, medication errors, mobility deficits, isolation, and unnecessary dependence on others.
Patients with the following conditions should be considered for this service:
- Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic Retinal Disease
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Legal Blindness
- Low Vision
- Scotoma
- Cytomegalovirus
- Reteinitis Pigmentosa
- Charles Bonnet Syndrome
- Bilateral Field Syndrome
Program Goals
The program is NOT a means to regain lost vision nor does it rest solely on adaptive equipment. Instead, it includes teaching strategies that help clients compensate for low vision by:
- Maximizing the use of senses (auditory, olfactory, tactile, kinesthetics)
- Developing strategies for written communication
- Educating in environmental modification
- Recommending adaptive devices to improve visual functioning
- Equipping patients with the skills, visual aides, and confidence to function as independently as possible
- Reducing limitations that result from loss of vision
Program Services
Comprehensive assessment evaluates how vision can be enhanced
- Optical and other low vision aids and assistive device training
- Assistance in creating a “Low Vision Friendly living environment
- Skilled nursing for medication management/compliance
- Physical therapy for Balance, Gait Training, and Fall Prevention
- Occupational therapy to assist with ADL retraining