Support for patients loosing sight.

This overview on support of patients loosing sight is based on a literature survey regarding reading disabilities and orientation and on results of experience trials performed at the University Eye Clinic Tübingen. In reading disorders, the main goal of rehabilitation is to regain or maintain the ability to read newspaper print. The fundament of rehabilitation is the use of optical and electronical devices and the application of specially designed training programs. The ability of a person with low vision to achieve successful orientation and mobility rehabilitation depends on residual vision, posture and balance, body image, auditory and tactile abilities, intelligence and personality. Rehabilitation efforts focus on the enhancement of residual vision applying magnifying contrast-enhancing and photomultiplying devices. The main pillar of orientation and mobility rehabilitation is a training especially designed for the patient's needs. Rehabilitation efforts must be tailored to the type of vision loss and to specific functional implications--the success rate is high. An optimal fitting of the required spectrum of low vision aids should be provided to the patient and importantly, professional teaching and training is recommended. Activities of daily living, orientation and mobility, and psychological concerns must be addressed. Close cooperation with other branches of rehabilitation is essential.