Healthy Vision Month - How Low Vision Therapy Helps

05/01/25 04:55 PM - 04:56 PM

Healthy Vision Month – How Low Vision Therapy Helps

Did you know that your everyday lifestyle choices affect more than just your overall health—they also protect your vision? Healthy Vision Month raises awareness that healthy habits like eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure all contribute to better eye health. These efforts reduce the risk of developing eye diseases and help preserve your vision over time.  But sometimes, even when you’re doing everything right, vision loss still occurs.  If low vision is something you struggle with, low vision therapy can help. 

Common Causes of Low Vision

Some of the most common vision conditions include:

  • Cataracts
  • Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
  • Glaucoma
  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Diabetic retinopathy

Many of these conditions can lead to low vision—a level of visual impairment that cannot be corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery.  Low vision doesn’t mean the end of independence. It means finding new strategies and tools to continue living fully and doing the things you love. That’s where low vision therapy comes in. 

How Does Low Vision Therapy Help?

Low vision therapy is designed to help people with permanent visual impairment make the most of their remaining vision. Occupational therapists with specialized training in low vision provide rehabilitation services that focus on maximizing function, safety, and independence.  Here’s what low vision therapy includes: 

1. Lighting, Contrast & Glare Management

Your therapist will:

  • Assess your lighting needs
  • Recommend specific lamps or bulbs for optimal brightness
  • Teach you how to maximize contrast (e.g., using dark plates on light tables)
  • Provide strategies to minimize glare, which can cause discomfort and reduce visibility

 2. Magnification & Tinted Lenses

Your therapist will:

  • Evaluate your needs for magnifiers, large-print materials, or colored lenses
  • Teach you how to use these tools effectively for tasks like reading, cooking, or working

 3. Compensatory Scanning Strategies

For conditions that affect your visual field, your therapist will teach you scanning techniques that help you see more of your environment—especially helpful for walking safely or reading lines of text. 

4. Technology & Adaptive Devices

Low vision therapy connects you with helpful technology, such as:

  • Talking watches and books
  • Voice-activated assistants
  • Tablets and smart device apps
  • Organizational tools like large-print calendars or pill organizers

Your therapist will help you choose the right devices and train you on how to use them. 

5. Home Safety & Community Mobility

  • Therapists apply all of the above strategies to real-life situations to help you:
  • Navigate your home and community more safely
  • Read labels, appliance dials, and mail
  • Use your phone or computer
  • Manage your medications and finances
  • Enjoy hobbies like crafts or puzzles
  • Shop and access transportation independently 

You Don’t Have to Struggle Alone

A sudden change in vision—such as with optic neuritis or macular degeneration—can be overwhelming and life-changing. Tasks that once felt simple may now feel difficult or even impossible.  But you’re not alone.  The occupational therapists at Therapy Achievements specialize in low vision therapy and are here to help you regain confidence and independence. 

How to Get Started?  If you or a loved one could benefit from low vision services:, ask your health care provider to fax a referral to 800-317-4728.  Or call Therapy Achievements directly at 256-509-4398 to request more information. 

Protect Your Vision and Your Independence

During Healthy Vision Month, take time to care for your eyes—and remember, vision loss doesn’t mean giving up. With the right support and tools, you can continue to live a full and independent life.  Let us help you take the next step. Reach out today.