Numerous studies have attempted to define and describe the
characteristics of low vision individuals who successfully
adjusted to their condition. Freeman (1954) reported that the
attributes of the examiner, the personality and outlook of the
patient, and the type of adjustment the patient made to visual
impairment, were important factors in determining the successful
utilization of low vision aids. Kelleher, Mehr, and Hirsch
(1971) found that successful rehabilitation and the voluntary
use of low vision aids were due to many factors, the most
important being the positive attitude of the subject.
Bishop (1972) cited the importance of the following factors in
the successful adjustment of the visually impaired: positive
self-attitudes, self-acceptance, and self-expression and
frequent positive contacts with people who offer the low vision
individual security and acceptance.
"Normal" development, the achievement of an adequate
self-concept, and the ability to act maturely and confidently do
not happen automatically. Interactions with the environment and
community members that stress accurate feedback from the
environment, that offer the means to cope with less-than
reliable visual information, and confidence in relationships are
necessary and must be provided to insure competence and adequacy.
Significant others should offer themselves as "models" to
demonstrate to low vision persons how to integrate what is
happening nonverbally in the environment or within themselves
and to show, through their actions, that it is acceptable to
request verbal feedback regarding their performance. However,
successful role modeling requires that significant others be
well versed in what constitutes successful and unsuccessful
communications patterns.
A successful interaction between persons with low vision and an
effective role model requires the helper to possess and
demonstrate the following identifiable characteristics: (1)
sensitivity, (2) empathy, (3) positive regard, (4) respect, (5)
warmth (6) concreteness, (7) immediacy (8) confrontation, and
(9) genuineness.
Older low vision people may have difficulties that require more
attention. Failure to recognize and respond to these may lead to
frustration. The incapacity to make a psychological adjustment
to visual impairment seems greater that the ability to accept
most other losses.
I believe that with any problem of life the main reaction must
be to face it and then find how to overcome it. I believe that
acceptance of low vision, for people of any age, through vision
rehabilitation, they learn that it is possible to transition
from being a sighted person in a sighted world to living fully
as a person with low vision in that same world
About the author:
Reveal Living is the only independent provider of low vision
rehabilitation services on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
We work with individuals and families to enhance the
independence and well being of people with impaired vision, and
specialize in working with age-related vision loss. Owned and
operated by Vicki Calder
Written by: Vicki Calder VRW
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