Low Vision & Rehabilitation Flashcards

A patient with 20/160 BCVA wants to read a medicine label with 1M print. Using the Kestenbaum rule, what approximate add power is indicated?

Answer: 8D

The Kestenbaum rule estimates the required add as 1 / (distance acuity in decimal); 20/160 = 0.125 decimal, so 1/0.125 = 8D.

Which tint color is most commonly recommended to enhance contrast and reduce glare for patients with albinism or significant photophobia?

Answer: Amber or yellow-brown tint

Amber/yellow-brown tints filter short wavelengths that scatter most in the eye, reducing glare and increasing contrast, which is particularly beneficial for photophobic patients such as those with albinism.

A low vision patient is trained in 'scanning' using a handheld telescope. The direction of telescope movement to locate an object to the patient's right should be:

Answer: Move the telescope to the right, in the same direction as the target

An astronomical (inverting) telescope reverses image direction, but a Galilean (erect-image) telescope used for spotting moves in the same direction as the target; for clinical training, patients learn to move toward the target.

Which of the following describes the role of the orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist in the low vision rehabilitation team?

Answer: Training patients to travel safely using cane techniques, dog guides, and environmental cues

O&M specialists train individuals with visual impairment to move safely and independently through environments using systematic techniques including long cane use, sighted guide, and environmental awareness.

A patient with advanced glaucoma has a small central island of vision. Which reading aid configuration would best serve this patient's tubular visual field?

Answer: A reverse telescope to minify the image and fit more text in the remaining field

A reverse (minifying) telescope reduces image size, allowing more of the reading environment to fall within the patient's small central island — the opposite strategy from a magnifier.

According to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework used in low vision rehabilitation, 'difficulty reading a newspaper despite wearing glasses' is classified at which level?

Answer: Activity limitation

In the ICF framework, difficulty performing a specific task (reading a newspaper) represents an activity limitation, distinct from the underlying impairment (reduced acuity) or participation restriction (not attending book club).

What is the recommended minimum print size goal for functional reading tasks when prescribing near magnification for a low vision patient?

Answer: 1M print (approximately 20/50 equivalent at 40 cm)

Standard newspaper and most reading material is approximately 1M print; achieving comfortable, fluent reading at 1M is the conventional functional literacy goal in low vision rehabilitation.