21st Century VA Independent Study Course: Visual Impairment and Blindness, Vision Loss, Eye Pathologies, Training Programs, Low Vision, Blind Rehabilitation, Psychological and Family Implications

The Veterans Administration (VA) Independent Study Course on visual impairment and blindness is designed to provide primary care practitioners with an introduction to the pathologies that lead to sight loss, their functional implications, appropriate method of referrals, training programs, and special considerations for interactions with visually impaired individuals. After completing this independent study, participants would be able to: define legal blindness; describe the causes of sight loss; delineate the functional implications of vision loss; delineate the psycho/social impact of vision loss on the veteran; outline the role of the Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) in the treatment of legally blind veterans and the referral process; describe the special personal and environmental considerations needed for visually impaired patients; describe the special medical considerations needed for visually impaired patients; describe the primary care practitioner’s role in assisting veterans in establishing well-grounded claims for disability related to the loss of vision; and describe compensation and pension benefits provided for veterans with eye disabilities. After completing this independent study, you should be able to: state the definition of legal blindness; be able to: associate eye diseases with their visual implications; be able to: demonstrate insight into the functional and Psycho/Social implications of sight-loss; know when referrals to VIST are indicated; understand the process for making appropriate referrals; and understand the importance of training at a VA Blind Rehabilitation facility. * This edition includes our exclusive Guide to Leading Medical Websites. Since navigating the Internet to find additional non-governmental medical information can be confusing, we've provided this unique and helpful guide with updated links to 81 of the best sites for medical information! Built-in weblinks let you quickly check for the latest clinical updates directly from the government and the best commercial portals, news sites, reference/textbook/non-commercial portals, and health organizations. * This is a privately authored news service and educational publication of Progressive Management. Our publications synthesize official government information with original material - they are not produced by the federal government.