Developing a disability inclusive model for low vision service

• Main Author: Suraj S Senjam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2021-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
• Subjects: disability model; low vision service; person-centered approach; rehabilitation; visual disability
• Online Access: http://www.ijo.in/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=2021;volume=69;issue=2;spage=417;epage=422;aulast=Senjam
• ISSN: 0301-4738; 1998-3689

The current practice for low vision management in India exclusively focuses on clinical aspects without much of the rehabilitation components. While making all efforts to improve independent living skills, daily living activities, and quality of life as a whole for people living visual disabilities, vision rehabilitation is an indispensable component. There is no single appropriate low vision and rehabilitation model implementable at health care institutions in the country to cover these fundamental aspects of a visually impaired individual. We did a literature review to know the existing practices of low vision and various disability models. The purpose of the review is to discern any pitfalls and shortcomings in managing visually disabled in India and to underpin the credibility and feasibility as well as suitability of the developed model. The review was done using search key terms low vision, current practices, visual disability, disability models, vision rehabilitation, and service delivery. Therefore, the article discusses the development of an inclusive low vision management model name as “Clinico-Social Model”, which we consider the most appropriate for the best management of people with vision loss. The primary aim of this model is to provide both clinical and vision rehabilitation components of management for people with visual disabilities. Such an approach is likely to have the potential to improve the quality of life of people with vision loss and can provide practical guide to eye care managers across India. Given the specific context in the current practices of low vision in India, it is desirable to design a similar model to care for the visually disabled.