Vision Specialist
What is a vision specialist?
A vision specialist, or teacher of the visually impaired, is a credentialed teacher who holds a special credential in vision impairment in addition to having a standard teaching credential. A vision specialist is trained to work with visually impaired students from preschool through grade 12.
What does the vision specialist do?
The vision specialist:
- Provides Braille instruction to both blind and low vision students.
- Provides adaptive equipment: Braille materials, large print books, light boxes, magnifiers, lap desks, computer programs, and other aides to help a visually impaired child function in the classroom. Most items are on loan from the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB); some are purchased by the school district.
- Consults with classroom teachers and staff regarding student progress and special needs and makes necessary adaptations of classroom materials.
- Provides CORE tests and IOWA 's in Braille or large print.
- Provides direct services to younger or multiply handicapped students in visual tracking and scanning, object localization, and color shape identification so they use their functional vision to the best of their ability.
- Provides parents with information about the state low vision clinic, and other resources.
- Attends IEP meetings and develops vision goals and objectives.
- Contacts ophthalmologists for updated eye reports on each visually impaired student.
- Gives presentations (by teacher request) to classes about Braille or low vision.
- Arranges for Orientation and Mobility services to be given by an O&M instructor.
A vision specialist does not test visual acuity or make any kind of medical diagnosis!
How does a student qualify for vision services?
Utah State Board of Education Special Education rules on page 65 of the May 1993 edition states how visual impairment should be determined. USDB more specifically states eligibility criteria in the following way:
The child must have a visual acuity of 20/70 or worse in the better eye after correction and/or less than 20 degrees of field vision is measured by a licensed eye specialist. If measured vision is better than 20/70 acuity and 30 degree field vision, there must be a chronic eye condition or function loss of vision identified by a qualified specialist that does not allow the student to function well without special modification in programs of the public schools.
Vision impairment includes cortical vision impairment (the eye is normal but the brain does not process with the eyes seen) but not visual perception problems.
Testing and Referral
There are no standardized tests for visual impairment. Even students with identical eye conditions or acuity may function very differently. An ophthalmologist's report stating the diagnosis and description of the student's visual problem and indicating cause, acuity, and field of vision are necessary for diagnosis and classification. (State handbook, page 65).
To refer a student for vision services, attach a copy of the eye report to the referral, or assigned parental release of information form for the vision specialist to send to the ophthalmologist. Do not refer students whose vision would be normal if they warp or prescription lenses.
Since there are no standardized tests, the vision specialist relies on information vision checklists and functional vision assessments to provide information for the three-year reevaluation. It is also necessary to have an updated eye report every three years for continuing services.
Eileen Lund
Nebo School District Vision Specialist
January 2000
Contact Information
Office:
Cellular Phone: 369-5903
E-mail Address: eileen.lund@nebo.edu |
