F-2-01-01
LOW VISION CARES IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE PARTIALLY SIGHTED
Hiroshi Takahashi (University of Occupat and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan)
Shinya Yamada (Fukuoka National Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, Fukuoka, Japan)
Quality of life (QOL) is very important and essential for the partially sighted. We have developed low vision clinic in our university hospital in 1996. In present report, we'd like to discuss about our low vision care. As we take medical care of patients, our low vision care is initiated and technology of daily life is evaluated. Optical and nonoptical aids were recommended. Orientation and mobility were trained by our instructor. Fifty-two low vision patients complained of genetic problems, suffering for school and labor issues. Mental health care is also important for them.
We must support the partially sighted to improve their QOL by low vision care.
F-2-O1-02
OPHTHALMOLOGICAL REHABILITATION FOR LOW VISION
Y. Takayanagi, M.D., T. Sakabe, Y. Harada, M. Kawahara, O. Kasai, and H. Yamamoto
(Hongo Eye Clinic and Aichi Association for the Visually Handicapped, Nagoya, Japan)
Purpose: To prevent visual handicaps, to make a survey of diseases that cause visual handicaps, and to make life easier for the visually handicapped, simpler, less expensive, and more varied equipment, and suitable instructors should be made available.
Method: Diabetic patients should be educated concerning diet. Magnifiers for people with low vision should be prescribed after checking refraction and making other ophthalmological checks. Ophthalmologists should consider the practical visual needs of the patient's lifestyle while checking the patient's visual acuity and determining what visual aids should be prescribed.
Result: To improve the quality of life of people with low vision through the use of simpler, less expensive, and more varied equipment and suitable instructors.
Conclusion: Ophthalmologists should consider the patient's lifestyle and other factors when prescribing visual aids.
