Post on 22-Dec-2015
Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy and Children’s Functional visual Children’s Functional visual
performance performance
Does OT treatment of visual skills Does OT treatment of visual skills improve functional outcomes for improve functional outcomes for children with visual-perceptual/ children with visual-perceptual/
visual-motor impairments?visual-motor impairments?
Vision therapy (VT)Vision therapy (VT)
Well supported by researchRole of behavioral optometristRole of occupational therapyCollaborationOutcomes
EvidenceEvidence
VT for oculomotor, accommodative, and binocular system disorders
VT for visual-motor integration
EvidenceEvidence
VT for oculomotor, accommodative, and binocular system disorders
VT for visual-motor integration
OT/ OD collaboration in treating patients
Implications for ConsumersImplications for Consumers
Occupational Occupational TherapyTherapy
Screen vision Refer vision issues Vision therapy under
supervision of OD
Implications for ConsumersImplications for Consumers
OptometryOptometry Refer handwriting, play skills,
gross/fine motor coordination, psychosocial development, or sensory motor/sensory integration issues
Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners
Educate ophthalmologists and optometrists about how OT can enhance outcomes
Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners
Educate ophthalmologists and optometrists about how OT can enhance outcomes Work: reading, handwriting,
drawing, cutting, etc
Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners
Educate ophthalmologists and optometrists about how OT can enhance outcomes Work: reading, handwriting,
drawing, cutting, etc Play: puzzles, drawing, sports,
Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners
Educate ophthalmologists and optometrists about how OT can enhance outcomes Work: reading, handwriting,
drawing, cutting, etc Play: puzzles, drawing, sports, Self-care: reduced frustration
leading to more appropriate behavior
Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners
Share observations about the child’s vision during functional tasks
Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners
Share observations about the child’s vision during functional tasks
Encourage compliance with VT and glasses
Implications for ResearchersImplications for Researchers
Outcome studies investigating collaboration efforts are needed
Implications for ResearchersImplications for Researchers
Outcome studies investigating collaboration efforts are needed
More rigorous studies of VT for visual motor integration
Best PracticeBest Practice
Build on the strengths of each profession
Determine efficacy on a case-by case basis