How to Become an Eye Therapist
Eye therapy, or vision therapy, utilizes eye exercises and other non-invasive methods to correct common visual problems that affect daily activities. Vision therapists use custom designed programs to correct crossed eyes, double vision, lazy eye, and other conditions for which surgery may not be helpful. Along with poor vision correction, eye therapists counsel patients on coping with daily living activities such as self-care, education, and work performance.
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Instructions
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How to Become an Eye Therapist
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Search for colleges or universities with a low vision therapy program. Contact the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals, which can be found at www.acvrep.org, for the certified low vision therapist (CLVT), certification guidelines. Make sure the institutions that you choose have a low vision therapy program that follows the curriculum guidelines of the CLVT certification.
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Apply to multiple colleges and universities with an eye therapy program that fits the CLVT curriculum guidelines. Submitting applications to multiple institutions will increase your likelihood of acceptance. Look up acceptance requirements, and make sure you have high school transcripts and all other credentials readily available and organized.
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Once you are accepted to an accredited college or university, you can begin the program to obtain your Bachelor's degree in low vision therapy. You must complete 350 hours of supervised practice with a certified eye therapist and physician while obtaining your Bachelor's degree. Keep documentation and have the CLVT and OD/MD fill out a Clinical Competency Evaluation Form or an Off-site Supervisor Contract after 350 hours of practice.
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Take the low vision therapy, or LVT, exam for certification as a low vision therapist. The ACVREP administers and evaluates this exam's results for certification. You will have to demonstrate in the written exam that you have sufficient understanding of eye therapy and its practice. After the exam, you will have to wait for approval from the Board of Directors at the ACVREP.
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Once certified as a CLVT, you will have to research and apply to optometrist practices with a low vision therapy program. After you are certified as an eye therapist, you should ask your college or university to help place you in a job, or you can apply for a position at your place of internship. Utilize your learned skills and certification to become an eye therapist.
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Tips & Warnings
You should check your local college or university to see if they offer a low vision therapy program, or search online for institutions that offer a program nearby.
