Low Vision OT podcast

Diabetes is a condition that I'm everyone of you have seen at one time or another.  This article looks at incorporating OT into primary care to help those with diabetes manage their disease better.  As expected, it did show improvement in HbA1c for those who participated in the LR-OT group.  The silver lining was that this study put a spotlight on OT and how we can affect change.  Healthcare workers were made aware of what OT is and how we can help in not only diabetes management but also other chronic conditions.This article is available on AOTA and was published in AJOT in September/October 2019.  

Do your patients ever struggle with reading medication labels?  Have you heard of Scriptalk?  This episode we are talking with Stephanie Shingle from Envision America.  They manufacture Scriptalk and other products for those with vision loss.  Visit them at envisionamerica.com or call at 800-890-1180You can find the mobile app on the Google play store or Apple app store by searching for Scriptalk mobile app

Do you run a low vision practice?  Do you use an EMR or have you thought of using an EMR?  We are talking with TheraOffice today.  They have developed a specific template for low vision OT practices.  The template was developed in partnership with Theia OT and simplifies the process of getting the right EMR.  Website- Theraoffice.comContacttkero@theraoffice.comsales@theraoffice.com

A few weeks ago, Apple pushed out iOS15.  It has several interesting and exciting features for those who are visually impaired and deafblind.  We will talk about those in this episode.To reach Applevis you can visit www.applevis.com

Have you had patients who struggle to identify medications.  We have all tried multiple things with mixed success.  This research article has a unique idea, using a 3D printer to print labels to go on pills.  Listen in and let me know what your thoughts are.Here is the link for the article  https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/12/2/172

Have you ever had a client who wants to use the computer but there is no one to train them?  Have you had clients ask if there is anything out their to help them regain some vision?  This is the podcast for you.  Paul Phillips lost his vision 15 years ago and has made it his mission to train those that fall through the cracks with computer training.  He is currently part of the Orion Study research project.  The study implants a small chip in the occipital lobe of the brain to help regain some vision. You can reach Paul at paul@paulwire.usYou can find out about the Orion Study through Second Sight or by Googling Orion Study.

Have you ever struggled to help your patient cope with their vision loss?  This episode we review a research article from the Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy.  It is a metasynthesis study that looks at how people with age-related vision loss use different psychological adaptations to support their occupational engagement.  There were several eye opening results in this study.   I would love to hear your feedback on this article.The article is available to AOTA members through the link under AJOT>publications & news>AJOT Adaptations to support occupational engagement with age-related vision loss: A metasynthesis study.  Colleen McGrath and Ann Marie CorradoCanadian Journal of Occupational Therapy2019, Vol. 86(5) 377-387 DOI: 110.1177/0008417419834422

This episode we will discuss the support you need to start and run a successful business.   We would love to hear your feedback.  Hope you enjoy!ContactsTheia OT consultants- www.theiaot.comEmail us at- marlene@theiaot.com or nilima@theiaot.com

We are reviewing Wanted: Entrepreneurs in Occupational Therapy by Kristin Anderson and David Nelson.

Today we are talking to Nathan Weidenmann, president and founder of Stella Lighting.  You will hear about his story of how it all started and how he came to be so passionate about low vision.  Nathan has a special offer for all our podcast listeners!  You can go to www.stellalighting.com and enter the discount code lowvisionstrategies for a $50 savings off a Stella lamp!!  See it really does pay to listen to this podcast.   If you would like to reach Nathan at Stella lighting you can call them at 855-282-3222 or email him at nathan@stellalighting.com.

This episode I will be reviewing a lighting research article.  Lighting Prescriptions for Low Vision was authored by Mary Butler, Keri McMullin, and Susan E. Ryan.  It was published in the Journal of Housing for the Elderly.  Following are the links I mentioned in this podcast.- JOURNAL OF HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY 2019, VOL. 33, NO. 2, 189–203 https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2018.1534175 - Borden, P., Klein, M., Goodrich, G., & Patten, D. (March, 2014). Characterizing and Prescribing Preferred Light Intensity and Color. VA TBI Research Forum. - Huszarik, N., Hodgson, P., & Watson, L. (2018). Lighting in and around the home: A guide to better lighting for people with sight loss. Pocklington Trust. Retrieved from: https:// www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Lighting-Guide-2018-PDF-1. pdf - Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. (2017). Lighting and the Visual Environment For Seniors Population (RP-28-16), Aug 5. (IES). ISBN-13: 978-0-87995- 337-9 - Perlmutter, M., Bhorade, A., Gordon, M., Hollingsworth, H., Engsberg, J.E., & Baum, C. M. (2013). Home lighting assessment for clients with low vision. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67, 674–681. doi:10.5014/ajot.2013.006692 

Today's episode is a little different.  I am asking for your input.  Below are the questions asked in the episode.  Please email me with your responses at marlenesnow17@gmail.com or marlene@lowvisionstrategies.com.1) Do you think it is important to have a certification in low vision?  If so, why is it important and which certification do you think is most appropriate?2) Do you feel it is important to get specialty training if you work in the low vision field?3) What setting do you work in?  What is your dream job?4) How much time do you spend either doing research or reading research about low vision?Thanks for your responses.  If you have a special topic you would like to have addressed please let me know.

To celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day we are talking about accessibility.  Brady has been using accessibility of one kind or another for most of his life.  He gives tips for using the various accessibility features and apps on iPhone.  We will be discussing various uses for Siri, Be My Eyes, Voiceover, and other apps.  I had never thought of using Uber eats app as an easy way to explore a menu of a restaurant.  What about using Shipt for grocery store shopping?  You can reach Brady at brady.lvs@gmail.com

Kathleen is the president & CEO of ACVREP which provides certifications for those in the low vision field.  The certifications include certified low vision therapist (CLVT), certified vision rehabilitation therapist (CVRT), certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS), certified assistive technology instructional specialist for people with visual impairments (CATIS), and certified deafblind intervenor specialist (CDBIS).  A group of subject matter experts (SME) assist with developing questions for these tests.  Find out how to apply to become an SME by visiting the ACVREP website at acvrep.org>about>subject matter expert committee and click on the links at the bottom of the page.There are two ways for OTs to get the CLVT designation.  You can find these by downloading the CLVT certification handbook at acvrep.org>certified low vision therapist>click on link for CLVT certification handbook.  You can find the links for scheduling the exam, purchase the CLVT practice exam, and all other things pertaining to the CLVT exam.Contact information- Kathleen Zeider email- kzeider@acvrep.org; phone (520) 887-6816 

In todays episode, we are talking with Jenice Heck about her adventure in not only working with those with vision loss but living her life with vision loss.  Jenice is the vice president of low vision rehab at the Louisiana Lighthouse in New Orleans.  Jenice has a YouTube channel called Insight 4 Blind.  The channel features helpful videos for a number of different things from cooking, to applying makeup and many things in between.  We discuss the need to continually tap into our creative side to best help our low vision patients.WayAround is a free app that reads labels you can purchase at WayAround.com.  You can reach Jenice at Insight4blind@gmail.com

Dan Roberts is the owner of MDsupport.org.  It is a site that has lots of great information for you and your clients.MDsupport has over 1000 links including research, treatments, questions to ask your doctor and more.The International Low Vision Support Group (ILVSG) offers a place for your patients to go and be part of a phone in support group.Self-help guide to non-visual skills offers many ideas of how to do simple tasks with low or no vision and it is free.You can reach Dan several different waysCall 888-866-6148email director@mdsupport.orgGet the Self-Help Guide to Non-Visual Skills at lowvision.preventblindness.org

This week I am speaking with Gina who is a low vision OT and an orientation and mobility specialist.  She will be giving hints about training patients in indoor travel and safety.  Join us for this important conversation.

Monica Perlmutter has been in the low vision field for many years. Over the years she has done a lot of research in this area. Today we are discussing her work with the Vision Loss Self-management Program (VLSMP). You can reach Monica at perlmutterm@wustl.edu

Walter Wittich is an expert in working with people who are deaf-blind. We will discuss resources that can help you when working with this population. Walter is also an educator and we will discuss the program he works in as well as research he is conducting.

Join me as the host and the guest this week. I will be talking about how you can make a difference in the live of your patient with diabetes. This episode is jam packed with information you can put into practice with your patients tomorrow. Enjoy!

This episode we are talking to my awesome biller. She has lots of information to calm your fears about billing. Get your notebook ready because she has lots of great information.

This week I will be talking with Nilima Tanna about starting and running a private practice. She has many years experience with private practice and you will gain some valuable information to get you started. We also have an exciting announcement!

This episode Dr. Fletcher is talking about new research in the low vision field. He also has some great tips for how we can best help our clients. Dr. Fletcher has always been a great supporter of OT and all we do for the low vision clients we serve.

Robin recently completed her doctoral degree and has developed a reading assessment for Glaucoma patients. She has lots of great tips to share.

Cassie is a very talented pediatric low vision therapist. Today we will be discussing evaluation and treatment using the CVI range. If you have not heard of the CVI range you are in for a treat. Hope you enjoy the podcast.

Today we will be talking to Ali Nelson. She is a low vision OT who has just started practicing in the low vision area of OT. She is a current student at UAB graduate certificate program and she has RP. She opens up about living with RP as well as working in the low vision field when you have low vision. She is very passionate and I think you will all enjoy the podcast very much.

Reina has worked in telehealth for many years. We will talk about how she got started, what equipment she uses and how she works with caregivers.

We have the honor of talking with Kristen about her extensive knowledge of brain injury. She shares a lot of information about treatment ideas. Enjoy

This episode we are talking with Karen and Andra from Envision. They are both very experienced and knowledgeable therapists who have a lot to share with us. Enjoy!

We will be discussing diabetes care in private practice as well as using yoga as a treatment for those with anxiety. Yolanda is full of great ideas for helping those with low vision. Enjoy.

This episode we will be talking with Jason Vice who is the OT at the UAB low vision clinic. Learn about his current research into the international symbol for accessibility.

Today I will be talking to Michael Epp with Envision. The Envision conference has seen some changes over the past few years and they are continuing to meet the educational needs of low vision practitioners even during the pandemic.

Today I am interviewing Chris Hedlich. She works in a non-profit low vision clinic in Michigan. She has done awesome things during the Corona virus epidemic.

Stacie Doan is a COTA who works in low vision. She is one of the very few COTAs with the SCLV-A designation. Stacie has lots of tips including a connection to help those who want to wear make-up.

Dr. Roach is a low vision optometrist. Today we will discuss her special interest in brain injury and low vision. You will also learn when to refer patients to a low vision specialist after brain injury or stroke. To contact Dr. Roach website- brainandeyeconnection.comemail- visionclinic@brainandeyeconnection.comPhone- 405-703-3163

Join us as we speak with Tomeico Faison. She is the owner of Therapeutic Solutions of North Carolina and a business coach. We discuss how she got into low vision OT and the unique way she serves the low vision clients in North Carolina.

This week we will be speaking with Julie Nastasi. She has done a lot of research in the low vision field. Today we will find out what she is currently researching and how the research she has done has influenced our profession.

We will be speaking with Beth Barstow about how she got started in low vision and what is happening at UAB. Tune in and enjoy.

We will be talking to Mary Warren who was instrumental in getting low vision occupational therapy paid for by medicare. She also started the University of Alabama at Birmingham Graduate Certificate program. Tune in to hear who influenced her in the beginning and who helped her get this off the ground.

Introduction to the podcast, hostess and what to expect from the low vision OT podcast. Marlene introduces what to expect and who will be coming in future episodes of the podcast. Interested in low vision occupational therapy? Tune in to hear who will be coming in future episodes. https://www.buzzsprout.com/960868