Doctor of Optometry Microcredentials Catalog 2022-2023

VISION REHABILITATION MICROCREDENTIAL Dr. Steven Ritter

Background As experts in visual function, optometrist have a unique opportunity to help patients maximize the visual function and develop treatment strategies tailored to each individual patient. The overall goal of vision rehabilitation is to treat vision problems that cannot be treated successfully with eyeglasses, contact lenses and or surgery alone. The void of training in this specialty leaves many patients that would benefit from vision rehabilitation without proper referrals and without proper care. Vision rehabilitation has profound implications for patient activities of daily living, and quality of life. There is evidence to suggest an improvement in overall quality of life and emotional wellbeing after vision rehabilitation Benoit (2010). While medical treatments address the physical manifestations and signs of many conditions, vision rehabilitation remains a treatment modality to improve patient’s visual function and activities of daily living. Mission Statement Vision Rehabilitation is an umbrella term encompassing, binocular and oculomotor visual skills, strabismus/amblyopia, traumatic brain injury, biofeedback, and visual perceptual difficulties as well as low vision field loss. The mission of the Vision Rehabilitation Microcredential is to guide highly motivated students in becoming more capable and confident in the independent diagnosing and managing of these patients. Learning Objectives  To increase knowledge and experience in binocular vision disorders including but not limiting to amblyopia, strabismus, nystagmus, acquired brain injury.  To advance expertise in developing and implementing individualized treatment plans with goals and session planning.  To gain experience working with ophthalmologist, physiatrists, neurologist, psychologist, occupational and physical therapists to care for patients.

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