Date of Award

4-2024

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Kelsey Watters

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

Occupational therapy practitioners have a broad and diverse scope of practice, one of those being, an in-depth understanding of the visual system and how visual deficits impact an individual’ s functioning and overall well-being. This capstone experience was designed to improve practitioner understanding about visual deficits following significant neurological events and increase competency with deficit-driven interventions. Current literature demonstrates conceptual models of the visual system in order to conduct evaluations within the scope of OT , however there are limited publications for evidence-based clinical decision making with regards to vision interventions. The objectives of this capstone experience focused on increasing understanding the role of the Vision Lab at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAL), collaboration with optometrists regarding role delineation, facilitation knowledge translation of vision interventions to occupational therapists, and development of a facilitation guide to influence clinical decision making when selecting vision interventions. The outcomes suggest that practitioners benefit from collaboration with a neuro-optometrist and formal mentoring sessions with hands-on practice to increase overall competency with vision rehabilitation. Due to the intricate scope of OT practice, fostering a better understanding of the visual system and appropriate methods of evaluation and treatment is of great importance within organizations that provide care to individuals who experience neurological events.

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