Introduction: Judging by the reduction in vision of the better seeing eye with optic correction, there are two types of visual deficits - blindness and poor vision. A low vision person is an individual who has a vision of less than 6/18 and a field of vision less than 10 degrees even after treatment and correction. Low vision patients are subject to an interdisciplinary approach. Such an integrated care team can be defined as a group of medical professionals. It would include an ophthalmologist, who is a low vision specialist, optometrist and optician, pediatrician, social worker and psychologist.
Aim: The aim of this article is to clarify the main role of the ophthalmologists, who are low vision specialists in the integrated approach of patients with low vision.
Tasks: 1. To create a work algorithm for the low vision specialists; 2. To conduct a survey using a questionnaire and summarize the results; 3. To create an integrated approach model for patients with impaired vision.
Materials: We have used literary sources, normative documents as well as the results of a conducted survey.
Methods: The method used is a combination between quantitative and qualitative methods.
Results: A total of 75% to 95% of the low vision patients can be visually rehabilitated with optical correction. In order to begin a visual rehabilitation, it is necessary to take into account the degree of reduction of vision and the visual reserves. All this justifies the need of introducing a work algorithm for the low vision specialist. This algorithm should emphasize on the types of ophthalmic rehabilitation aid as well as determine the required enhancement of the aid devices.
Conclusion: One thing is certain if low vision individuals have opportunities for education as sighted persons, they would be able to develop their potential and be useful members of the society. This is the main goal of the interdisciplinary team when working with visually impaired patients. This is the model of an integrated approach a strong connection between individual professionals and a collaboration between institutions.
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