Posted on October 22, 2002 at 3:33 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Calling it a ‘quantum leap’ in treating patients with low vision, UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) has opened the nation’s first fully integrated low vision rehabilitation center at the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital. The UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation combines the expertise of four distinct medical professions in one clinic.

“We are changing how low vision rehabilitation is done by combining the key disciplines involved in treatment: ophthalmology, optometry, occupational therapy and psychology,” says Dr. Don Fletcher, associate professor in the department of ophthalmology and director of the center. “To my knowledge, no other academic institution in the country provides all four components in this fashion.”

Low vision is defined as a visual impairment not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. Approximately 14 million Americans — one out of every 20 people — have low vision.

“There are a number of techniques we can employ to help people with low vision continue to function and live full lives,” says Marsha Swanson, O.D., assistant professor in the UAB School of Optometry and co-director of the center. “We offer the entire range of treatment, from magnifying glasses to sophisticated electronic devices and computer-assisted imaging equipment.”

The center opened its doors in February. An official opening celebration is scheduled Friday, November 1 at noon at the center on the third floor of the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital, 1720 University Boulevard.

One of the unique components of the center is the involvement of occupational therapists, which train low vision patients in the proper use of the many vision-enhancing devices available. UAB’s occupational therapy training program in the School of Health Related Professions has the most comprehensive curriculum in the country in low vision rehabilitation.

“In addition, we employ the latest, most advanced electronic devices available, including the only scanning laser ophthalmoscope in Alabama,” says Fletcher.

Other high-tech machines include the Dynavision 2000, which trains patients to understand and cope with their particular vision loss, and the Jordy, a portable distance video magnifier worn in front of the eyes. Jordy is named for the blind Star Trek character that wears a vision-enhancing device in the television show.

“The whole concept is to keep people independent and living on their own,” says Swanson. “A decline of vision affects the person as a whole, not simply the eyes.”

The official opening on November 1 will include an open house, tours of the center, demonstrations of equipment and vision-enhancing tools, and a grand rounds medical lecture by Dr. Gordon Legge of the University of Minnesota, one of the nation’s leading low vision researchers.

Financial support for the new center came from the Eye Sight Foundation, the UAB Department of Ophthalmology, the UAB School of Optometry, the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital, The University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, the Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education and the UAB Provost’s Office.