Low Vision/Vision Rehabilitation Service

The Vision Rehabilitation Center (VRC) is located on the 9th floor of the Massachusettts Eye and Ear Infirmary, an international leader in ophthalmology and otolaryngology for over 180 years. The Center has offered vision rehabilitation services for over 25 years to patients with eye conditions that restrict daily activities, mobility, productivity or independence. Macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are examples of diagnoses that often cause these difficulties. Even minimal vision loss can impact function.

The goal of vision rehabilitation is to assist patients to effectively use all of their remaining vision. Rehabilitation begins after patients have received appropriate diagnosis and evaluation by their eye doctor. It is part of the continuum of ophthalmic care, just as stroke rehabilitation or cardiac rehabilitation is part of the continuum of health care. Patients continue to receive treatment from their regular ophthalmologists while participating in rehabilitation.

Staff

Directed by Dr. Mary Lou Jackson, MD, an ophthalmologist with specific interest in vision rehabilitation, the Center’s committed staff understands the impact of learning about irreversible vision loss of patients and their families.

Mary Lou Jackson, M.D.(Click for bio)

Helpful Information about Vision Rehabilitation

Comprehensive Vision Rehabilitation addresses five areas:

• Reading rehabilitation
• Activities of daily living
• Safety
• Participation
• Well-being including adjustment to vision loss.

Rehabilitation interventions are collaborative plans made together with the patient, based on the patient’s individual goals and on a detailed clinical evaluation of the patient’s vision which includes, among other factors

• Visual acuity
• Contrast Sensitivity
• Visual Field, particularly the central visual field used for reading.

What services does the Vision Rehabilitation Center provide?

Each patient is evaluated to determine the appropriate rehabilitation interventions for his/her particular vision loss. VCR patients may receive:

• A comprehensive low vision evaluation to fully appreciate the potential of his/her residual vision
• A test to evaluate the central visual field and best areas of retina for reading
• Information about beneficial visual aids, ranging from simple magnifiers to innovative optical devices or technologies, video camera magnifiers or computers with magnification or speech output
• Training in using residual vision by occupational therapists
• Training in strategies such as enhancing contrast, using alternate formats and making home and lifestyle changes to enhance safety
• Advice about transportation alternatives and strategies to allow patients to continue to participate in activities that give them pleasure
• The help of an occupational therapist in the Center or in his/her home to learn how to safety and independently accomplish daily tasks.

How much does rehabilitation cost?

The evaluation by a physician and training by an occupational therapist is covered by most third-party insurance. The cost of optical aids is not covered by most insurance companies.

Where can I find the Center?

The Vision Rehabilitation Center is located on the 9th floor of the MEEI, 243 Charles Street, Boston.

A note for the referring doctor

Our services supplement your medical and surgical care. Referrals are made after your assessment and diagnosis as our services are limited to rehabilitation. We require a medical eye exam to have been completed within the past 6 months to ensure that optimal treatments are offered prior to rehabilitation. Please forward a summary of diagnosis and treatment before the patient’s first visit occurs. If this information is not available, or if the patient desires, we can arrange a comprehensive eye exam at the Infirmary.

Contact Us

To obtain more information call 617-573-4177

content updated: 4/16/08