When I decided to work towards receiving my Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation from UAB, I had no idea what great opportunities this experience would afford.

I was motivated to do this because I had a strong need and desire to gain in-depth knowledge of low vision practice and to connect with other experienced OTs in the area. The program fulfilled these goals and so much more!

First and foremost, I gained the knowledge, skills, and confidence that I needed to practice in our academic based community practice at Washington University in St. Louis. I am now the lead OT in our Low Vision practice and truly enjoy the challenge of helping my clients with age and neurologically related vision loss participate in valued daily activities.

I have the privilege of teaching our Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and Clinical Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students the majority of the vision assessment and intervention content in our program. I have mentored many student research and clinical capstone projects in this area as well.

My expertise in low vision has led to research opportunities, related publications and presentations regarding the development of a task lighting assessment and a low vision self-management program and a study that determined activity participation of individuals with glaucoma.

On a national level, I enjoy my roles as a SCLV application reviewer and vice-chair of the Envision Conference Peer Review Committee. It is clear to me that the UAB Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation program was a catalyst for all that has followed. I am truly grateful for the experience and especially for the continued support that I receive from Mary Warren and Beth Barstow.