Team Transformational Solutions

Occupational Therapy and Vision Deficits

Occupational therapists (OTs) and vision therapists collaborate to address visual impairments, with OTs focusing on enhancing functional skills and daily living, while vision therapists, often optometrists, focus on improving the visual system’s function. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Occupational Therapists (OTs):

• Help individuals with visual impairments maximize their independence and participation in daily activities. 

• Focus on visual rehabilitation, teaching strategies to use remaining vision effectively, and making environmental adaptations. 

• May provide training in visual attention, tracking, visual processing, and sensory integration to improve posture, body awareness, and coordination. 

• Can recommend adaptive equipment and strategies to simplify tasks and improve safety. 

• Examples:

• Teaching someone with low vision how to scan a grocery store shelf. 

• Modifying a home environment to reduce hazards and improve safety. 

• Using assistive technology to make daily tasks easier. 

• Vision Therapists (Often Optometrists):

• Focus on improving the visual system’s function, including eye movements, focusing, and binocular vision. 

• May prescribe therapeutic lenses, filters, and prisms to address specific visual problems. 

• Examples:

• Treating lazy eye (amblyopia). 

• Addressing convergence insufficiency (difficulty focusing on near objects). 

• Helping individuals with double vision. 

• Helping with concussion recovery. 

Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Approach:

• OTs and vision therapists often work together as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care. 
• OTs may refer individuals to vision therapists for specialized evaluation and treatment, and vice versa. 
• According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov), OTs should focus on functional activities rather than strict visual exercises to ensure that occupation-based goals are met. 
• According to the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association,, OTs cannot prescribe lenses or prisms, as these may only be prescribed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. 

Benefits of Combined Approach:

• Improved Functional Skills:

By addressing both visual function and daily living skills, individuals with visual impairments can achieve greater independence and quality of life. 

• Holistic Care:

A combined approach considers the whole person, addressing both the visual system and the impact of vision loss on daily activities. 

• Enhanced Communication and Collaboration:

Effective communication and collaboration between OTs and vision therapists can lead to more effective and coordinated care. 

Susan Vincent OTR
Regional Director of Operations for Rehabilitation