Date of Award

5-1-2026

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Christina Hedlich, OTRL

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

The prevalence of visual impairments in the United States is substantial and anticipated to increase in severity over the coming decades. These impairments have wide-reaching consequences on an individual’s occupational performance in daily living. While both occupational therapists and optometrists focus on the relationship between visual function and engagement in meaningful and purposeful occupations across the lifespan, only a limited number of optometrists offer specialized vision therapy services. This gap emphasizes a growing demand for vision services to manage the needs of individuals with visual deficits. Therefore, this Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) sought to bridge this gap by exploring the interprofessional collaborative practice between occupational therapy and optometry in the evaluation, treatment, and management of visual impairments at West Michigan Eyecare Associates (WMEA). Additionally, it was designed to meet the needs of individuals with visual impairments through the development of various resources to maximize safety and functional performance in daily living.

Through the completion of various learning activities and objectives, valuable insight and knowledge was gained into how these professionals combine their expertise to address the diverse needs of individuals with visual impairments. Additionally, increased knowledge and proficiency of evidence-based assessments and interventions used in vision rehabilitation were established. Accessible educational and therapeutic materials were created and complied into a Google Drive to support sustainability and continued use with the population served at the WMEA. This DCE contributed to the field of occupational therapy by advocating for the intersection of occupational therapy and optometry in the treatment of visual impairments and emphasizing the critical role the collaboration can play in mitigating existing gaps in services for individuals with visual impairments.

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