| What
is Low Vision?
|
Individuals who have
difficulty seeing even with the assistance of eyeglasses, contact lenses,
or after surgery, are said to have Low Vision. Currently over three
million Americans, or about one in every 20 individuals have partial sight.
|
| Low Vision
has many causes including diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes, or macular
degeneration; the natural aging process; or injuries. Low Vision
affects individuals of all ages.
|
What causes the condition?
|
I have
a Low Vision problem that's affecting my everyday life.
What can I do?
|
Easter Seals provides
an innovative program called Low Vision Rehabilitation that helps individuals
make the most of their available vision. This program is unique because
it provides services through state-licensed occupational therapists who
have specialized training and experience with vision loss. These
professionals are available to serve you throughout the state of Maryland
(except the Eastern Shore), in South Central Pennsylvania. and in the Eastern
Panhandle of West Virginia.
|
| Your
occupational therapist will work with you in your own home. In addition,
therapy sessions are scheduled at a time that is most convenient for you
-- daytime, evenings or weekends. Your therapist will help you with
all aspects of life: writing, reading, cooking, personal care, household
chores, and many others. Your therapist may also make suggestions
for improving your safety at home. And, should you require special
adaptive equipment, such as writing guides or solar shields, your therapist
will provide training.
|
Where does my therapy take place?
|
| How long
does therapy take?
|
Therapy services are
coordinated with your doctor. Together with your doctor and therapist,
you will help develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs and will
help accomplish your goals quickly.
|
| Yes,
Low Vision Rehabilitation therapy services are covered by Medicare, Blue
Cross/Blue Shield, and many other insurance companies. Prior to your
first meeting with your therapist, we will confirm your benefit coverage
for you. And, although special adaptive equipment, such as solar
shields, are not covered by insurance, most items are reasonably priced,
and payment plans are available to help you.
|
Are Low Vision Rehabilitation services
covered by insurance?
|
| Does
the Low Vision Rehabilitation program offer any other services?
|
Yes, the program offers
a peer network of other individuals who have successfully completed therapy.
We also offer a valuable Low Vision Support Group which meets monthly.
The group provides you with a safe place to share your ideas and concerns
with others of similar circumstances.
|
| Simply call the Low
Vision Rehabilitation Program Coordinator at (301) 745-3828, or toll-free
at (800) 862-1377 to schedule an initial intake. Your first meeting
will take place in your home or in the Easter Seals offices. After
that, your occupational therapist will contact you to schedule home visits
and you will be well on your way to living a life that is active and full
once again.
|
Sounds good. How do I get
started and where do I have to go?
|
