Optometry & Low Vision Certification
Certified low vision therapists use optometry instruments to determine a patient's visual perception skills, visual motor skills and ability to read, write and perform everyday activities. Low vision therapists assess a patient's ability to dress, groom, go to work, go to school, shop and care for themselves and their families. The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) has three categories of low vision certification requirements.
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Category One
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ACVREP requires category-one low vision certification applicants to submit official transcripts proving a bachelor's or master's degree in low vision therapy from an accredited college or university. Individuals must also have a supervising physician submit a signed performance evaluation attesting to the fact that the applicant has completed 350 hours of supervised experience in the field of low vision.
Category Two
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Category-two low vision certification applicants are required to provide official transcripts proving completion of a bachelor's or master's degree in any subject, provided applicants have completed additional qualifying courses in low vision therapy. Category-two applicants are also required to submit a signed performance evaluation from a supervising physician proving the applicant has completed 350 hours of supervised experience in low vision including patient care, phone calls, observation and meetings.
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Category Three
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Low vision certification applicants who wish for category-three eligibility are required to provide transcripts proving a bachelor's or master's degree in a related education, health or rehabilitation field. Applicants must also provide a signed performance evaluation from a supervising low vision physician proving the applicant has met the 350 hour experience requirement.
Category Four
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Category-four certification applicants are required to documentation proving their employment as a registered nurse for the 15 years prior to certification application. They must also provide a signed statement from a low vision physician indicating the applicant has met the 350 hour low vision experience requirement.
Curriculum Requirements
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All categories of low vision certification applicants are required to provide proof of passing instruction in the following low vision subjects: the human visual system, human development, psychosocial aspects of visual impairment, eye and lenses optics and principles, principles of teaching and learning in low vision, low vision clinical exams, optical and non-optical equipment for assisting low vision, assessment strategies and techniques, vision enhancement strategies and techniques, strategies and techniques for assessing visual acuity in everyday life, use of adaptive strategies, teaching visual skills and the effect of additional disabilities on living with low vision.
Examination and Ethical Requirements
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All categories of applicants are required to sign a statement promising to uphold professional and moral standards. All applicants must also pass a low vision exam that tests applicants knowledge of low vision applications and principles.
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References
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