Hi Ron Mary Warren (Who runs the low vision rehab classes at University of Alabama OT dept) uses compensatory techniques for visual field cuts. She teaches clients to scan all quadrants. both for mobility and for close work such as reading. She has an expensive tool called a Dynavision 200, but it is easy enough to build your own. On a large board (5'x5') put numbers in a random patterns located over the entire board. The client has to find all the numbers in order. At first they will not find the ones on the side of the filed cut, so teach them to turn their head more until they find it. Learn to scan in a circular movement. Scan blind field first. Turn head to view periphery of board. Next set up a scan course: Place large numbers on walls doors etc along a path taken by the client. Client must search for each number as they walk along the path. client must turn head and scan area as they walk along. For reading teach client to scan whole paper, practice reading saccades. Have sheet of paper with letters or numbers on outer edges only, client must scan from side to side to see all of them. Next have a sheet of random letters, underline some of them and have client find the underlined letters. Some notes: Compensation requires conscious cognitive strategy. Must believe vision cannot be trusted on deficit side. Awareness allows client to develop intellectual over-ride. Hope this is clear!
Sue -- Sue Hossack MOT, OTR/L, ATP Occupational Therapist http://www.ot-care.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
