PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF REHABILITATION IN PERSONS WITH LOW VISION
Keywords:
Rehabilitation, low vision, optical aids, emotional well-beingAbstract
Rehabilitation of individuals with little vision seeks to maximize the use of residual eyesight following its considerable loss as well as to acquire abilities that will allow them to live daily activities with improved visual performance. Moreover, it assists with social functioning management and with adjusting to permanent visual loss. Acquiring these abilities promotes independence and active inclusion in society, which ultimately raises the quality of life of those with vision impairment. Its significance derives from the reality that there are proven techniques to enable and improve the daily performance of those with impaired vision even when glasses, contact lenses or surgical operations offer no results.
For these individuals, rehabilitation starts with a thorough ophthalmological evaluation and treatment. Development of a customized treatment plan including specialized eye aids and adequate instruction is part of this assessment so as to best utilize the residual eyesight. The use of custom-designed devices intended to enhance the remaining visual function is one of the most important components of low-vision rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation is realized through team and multidisciplinary cooperation. Its use requires ophthalmologists, optometrists, psychologists, typhlopedagogues, special education instructors, social and medical personnel. Vision impairment affects not just the eyes but also every aspect of the individual's life, hence this organized and all-encompassing approach to treatment is quite crucial.
Through collaboration, not only technical training in the use of aids is provided, but also support in lifestyle adaptation and coping with emotional difficulties that may arise from vision loss, such as feelings of isolation, anxiety or depression. This method aims to raise general quality of life and emotional well-being as well as the physical effects of vision impairment. Encouraging a good attitude and successful adaptation mostly depends on access to experts offering mental and emotional help. Such a strategy promotes self-esteem and enables patients to go from a view of restriction to one of personal strength and possibility.
References
Almidani, L., Miller, R., Varadaraj, V., Mihailovic, A., Swenor, B.K., & Ramulu, P.Y. (2024). Vision Impairment and Psychosocial Function in US Adults. JAMA Ophthalmology, 142(4) 283–291.
Cai, C., Shuai, J., & Li, G. (2025). The effect of low vision rehabilitation on quality of life and caregiver burden in patients with low vision: A randomized trial. BMC Ophthalmology
Connors, E. M., Abbott, P. M., Norris, D. E., Ottowitz, J. J., & Morren, B. N. (2023). The perspectives of vision rehabilitation therapists on the state of the profession: A time for action. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 303–313.
Hoogsteen, K. M. P., & Szpiro, S. (2023). A holistic understanding of challenges faced by people with low vision. Research in Developmental Disabilities
Jackson, M.L., Virgili, G., Shepherd, J.D., Di Nome, M.A., Fletcher, D.C., Kaleem, M.A., Lam, L.A., Lawrence, L.M., Sunness, J.S., & Riddering, A.T (2023). Vision Rehabilitation Preferred Practice Pattern Ophthalmology, 271–335.
Jia, X., Zhang, Y., Xiaoqun, F., Xin, Z., Lian, Y., Guiting, W., & Huiming, X. (2022). A qualitative study on home care and its needs for patients with severe visual impairment and blindness. Eye Science, 52–57.
Lamoureux, E.L., Tai, E.S., & Thumboo, J. (2010). Impact of diabetic retinopathy on vision-specific function. Ophthalmology 757–765.
Peterson, R.C., Wolffsohn, J.S., Rubinstein, M., & Lowe, J. (2003). Benefits of electronic vision enhancement systems (EVES) for the visually impaired. American Journal of Ophthalmology 136(6):1129‐35.
Shah, M., & Tariq, J. (2025). Vision rehabilitation in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Clinical and Experimental Optometry
Wilkinson, M. E., & Shahid, K. S. (2018). Low vision rehabilitation: An update. Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology, 134–138
