Fellowship in Low Vision Care

Overview

The vast majority of patients with low vision can be helped to function at a higher level with the use of low vision devices. Management of a Low-vision patient does not end with prescribing Low vision device alone. It involves a coordinated effort on the part of the practitioner, patient and his / her family members to recognize the patient’s limitations, and help him / her choose devices that will satisfy the patient’s visual needs. It is also a multi-disciplinary approach where a low-vision practitioner has to work in tandem with other professionals like Ophthalmologists and Dispensing Opticians.
Objective:

• To give the Optometrist a thorough understanding of the Basics of Low vision
• To assess the visual demands of Low vision
• To examine the Low vision patient and prescribe appropriate Low Vision device for Distance and Near
• To assist in counseling and rehabilitating the Low Vision patient.

On completion of the fellowship, the candidate will be able to

• Independently manage the Low vision patient in the LV Clinic
• Assess the visual functions of a Low vision patient
• Prescribe appropriate low vision device for distance / near range including non-optical and electro-optical devices.
• Rehabilitate the LV patient and provide counseling services to the patient / family / Relatives.

Program structure:

• The candidates will be posted under the senior faculty of the Low vision Clinic at Sankara Nethralaya.
• Hands on training will be given under the guidance and supervision of expert faculty.
• Theory and Practical (Observation and hands-on training sessions) will be conducted at the department.

Hostel facilitiy provided for outstation / international candidates

The course fee for the Indian students: INR 60,000/- and for the International students: USD 1200

Eligibility

Applicant should have done Degree with 1 year experience / Post-graduation in Optometry / Diploma in Optometry with minimum of 2 years experience.

Minimum Education