Much of the information processed by the brain is visual, yet few of us know how to approach low vision. Occupational therapist Belinda Leibowitz clarifies its causes, assessments, professionals who can help, and why visually impaired persons needn’t give up their hobbies. She considers whether visual impairment is a normal part of ageing, where to find information, and offers simple tips and techniques to foster independence.  

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In ep. 135 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, occupational therapist Belinda Leibowitz from the Low Vision Care Centre touches on

• what the term “low vision” means

• why low vision is a dynamic state

• causes of partial loss of vision, including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, head injuries, and other forms of pathology

• how a low vision assessment differs from a regular eye examination performed by an optometrist

• the role of visual fields, eye dominance, perceptual issues around vision, and figure-ground/background perception

• why one “excellent eye” cannot necessarily take over the role of a “poor eye”

• why left eye-dominant individuals are often not keen readers

• why you can’t “save your vision” by reading less – reading helps preserve your visual memory

• how the individual needs of a patient of any age are holistically addressed, including helping them carry on with hobbies like sewing or cooking  

• professionals serving visually impaired individuals - including orientation and mobility officers, genetic counsellors, and trauma counsellors - and the advantages of a multi-disciplinary team

• advice regarding the use of magnification

• whether low vision a normal part of ageing

• how family members can support a loved one with low vision

• 3 factors important in low vision: “I Can See” which stand for Illumination, Contrast and Size

• 3 other crucial factors: the quality of your sleep, the weather, and your emotions or stress level

• the loss individuals with visual impairment experience and the importance of attitude

• how the Low Vision Centre of Learning came into being.

In this episode, Belinda mentions Immersive Reader in MS Word, and vision loss awareness consultant Jennifer Webster - just scroll down for a link to a podcast featuring Jennifer.

Scroll down for more information on Belinda Leibowitz and the Low Vision Centre of Learning, including contact details.

Vision loss awareness consultant Jennifer Webster shares her story of vision loss and what she’s learnt regarding a happy marriage and healthy family relationships.

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About Belinda, including contact details

Belinda Leibowitz is an occupational therapist with a special interest in low vision. Based in Johannesburg, Belinda has a wealth of experience in training and assisting low vision patients to cope with their visual needs, enabling them to live more fulfilling and independent lives. 

Email: belinda.leibowitz@gmail.com

About the Low Vision Centre of Learning:

In 2018 Hazel Sacharowitz, Belinda Leibowitz, and Karen Denton met to discuss the establishment of a Centre of Learning to provide different levels of education relating to the eye and diseases that effect the eye. Being from different professional backgrounds (Optometry, Occupational Therapy, and Education) they decided that all education would be aimed at multidisciplinary professionals and would also include information and support for people affected by visual problems. The Low Vision Centre of Learning was established at that meeting and since then has grown from strength to strength.

“Our vision encompasses Education, Resources, Information and Courses – ERIC. Education is aimed both nationally and internationally, with participants from South Africa and far beyond our borders. Similarly, expertise is drawn from around the world to ensure that all receive the most up-to-date, highest quality and relevant knowledge.”

Website: https://lvcol.org/

Facebook: Low Vision Centre of Learning

South African Group for People who are Visually Impaired

Low Vision Care Centre in Blackheath, Johannesburg:

Website: https://lowvision.co.za/

Facebook: Low Vision Care Centre

Tel. 011 678 4438 or 072 154 1992

The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Player FM and Iono.fm – I hope you’ll subscribe!

Music by Mart-Marie Snyman

Thumbnail image: Unsplash

Photograph of Belinda Leibowitz: supplied