Access to participation - Occupational therapy and low vision

This article discusses performance skills, performance patterns, contexts, activity demands, and modification or compensation of client factors necessary for individuals with low vision to participate in meaningful personal occupation. The author provides a broad overview of how occupational therapy enables individuals to participate in meaningful activity by helping them find successful methods for achieving occupational performance goals. With older adults expecting to work until the age of 70, live independently in their own homes, and becoming a larger portion of the population as we move forward in the twenty-first century, occupational therapists will be treating an increasing number of clients with visual impairment. Methods to assist the clients in identifying their needs and the role of the occupational therapist in identifying occupational performance due to changes in visual performance are discussed. Issues often addressed first by the occupational therapist working with individuals with low vision, such as mobility, work, activities of daily living, leisure, and in the environment where these activities are likely to take place, are presented as areas to be evaluated. The evaluation process is explained and the focuses on the client and the therapist's collaborative analysis of occupational performance addressed.