Low Vision Rehabilitation Practice Models
Lylas Mogk, M.D., a leading advocate for low vision rehabilitation services, outlines six models for serving patients with low vision in a recent article in Ophthalmology Management. The models offer "a spectrum of game plans, from something as simple as providing resource information, to offering comprehensive vision rehabilitation."
Model 1, the most basic, involves providing patients with resource information and encouraging them to act on it. Model 2 involves providing resource information and including a few easy steps in routine eye examinations for selected patients. Model 3 involves providing resource information, performing a low vision evaluation, and referring patients for rehabilitation. Model 4 is the same as Model 3, with the rehabilitation training provided by the physician's practice. Model 5 involves referring the patient to a low vision optometrist for the low vision evaluation and then providing the rehabilitation training in the ophthalmologist's practice. Model 6 involves referral to an occupational therapist or vision rehabilitation professional.
For each model, Dr. Mogk discusses logistics, level of difficulty for the ophthalmologist and other providers, investment required, and rewards including reimbursement and patient satisfaction. She concludes: "Understanding the nuances of the models and the various players involved can go a long way towards the satisfaction that low vision rehabilitation can offer. No matter which model is carried out, the benefits to ophthalmologists and patients are rewarding."
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