Adapting to Low Vision is a State of Mind

Numerous studies have attempted to define and describe the characteristics of low vision individuals who successfully adjusted to their condition. Freeman (1954) reported that the attributes of the examiner, the personality and outlook of the patient, and the type of adjustment the patient made to visual impairment, were important factors in determining the successful utilization of low vision aids. Kelleher, Mehr, and Hirsch (1971) found that successful rehabilitation and the voluntary use of low vision aids were due to many factors, the most important being the positive attitude of the subject.

Bishop (1972) cited the importance of the following factors in the successful adjustment of the visually impaired: positive self-attitudes, self-acceptance, and self-expression and frequent positive contacts with people who offer the low vision individual security and acceptance.

"Normal" development, the achievement of an adequate self-concept, and the ability to act maturely and confidently do not happen automatically. Interactions with the environment and community members that stress accurate feedback from the environment, that offer the means to cope with less-than reliable visual information, and confidence in relationships are necessary and must be provided to insure competence and adequacy.

Significant others should offer themselves as "models" to demonstrate to low vision persons how to integrate what is happening nonverbally in the environment or within themselves and to show, through their actions, that it is acceptable to request verbal feedback regarding their performance. However, successful role modeling requires that significant others be well versed in what constitutes successful and unsuccessful communications patterns.

A successful interaction between persons with low vision and an effective role model requires the helper to possess and demonstrate the following identifiable characteristics: (1) sensitivity, (2) empathy, (3) positive regard, (4) respect, (5) warmth (6) concreteness, (7) immediacy (8) confrontation, and (9) genuineness.

Older low vision people may have difficulties that require more attention. Failure to recognize and respond to these may lead to frustration. The incapacity to make a psychological adjustment to visual impairment seems greater that the ability to accept most other losses.

I believe that with any problem of life the main reaction must be to face it and then find how to overcome it. I believe that acceptance of low vision, for people of any age, through vision rehabilitation, they learn that it is possible to transition from being a sighted person in a sighted world to living fully as a person with low vision in that same world

About the author:

Reveal Living is the only independent provider of low vision rehabilitation services on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. We work with individuals and families to enhance the independence and well being of people with impaired vision, and specialize in working with age-related vision loss. Owned and operated by Vicki Calder