WHO WE ARE

Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation (CSVR) is a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to helping those with low vision and blindness. The clinics provide professional evaluation by a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or an Optometrist (O.D.), Occupational Therapists, Ophthalmic technicians, Computer Specialists and others. It works in collaboration with state agencies, regional and national resources. Our Board of Directors includes a broad spectrum of community leaders active in improving the access to care and quality of life for those living in Southwest Alabama.

WHAT WE DO

Initial Evaluation by Doctor: CSVR provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation to all patients. This includes an initial comprehensive and thorough evaluation of visual function by a M.D. or O.D. The evaluation and interview usually takes one hour. CSVR is the only facility in Alabama, outside of the UAB Low Vision Clinic in Birmingham, to provide such a professional evaluation for low vision. This initial evaluation includes determination of visual acuity, a timed reading test of function and acuity, determination of contrast sensitivity and a visual field evaluation. The initial interview helps define the patient's goals and helps in planning strategies to reach those individual goals. The initial evaluation may result in recommendation of further tests or consultations. However, it should be noted that CSVR does not provide primary eye care, and all patients must be seen at regular intervals by their own Eye Doctor. Following the initial evaluation, the doctor may then recommend further training by an Occupational Therapist, a trial of one or more of the many aids and devices available, or refer the patient to an appropriate resource or agency. Occupational Therapy: Occupational Therapists specialize in training people to use different ways of adapting to a change in their capabilities. They have a Master's degree and must pass a rigorous licensing examination to earn their "OTR/L" title. They are uniquely qualified to help those with vision loss. (See "Our Staff" link). At our office we have Occupational Therapists, who will help those with vision loss to continue to perform their usual duties, hobbies and remain as independent and functional as possible. They demonstrate and train patients in the many ways to adapt to the problems and limitations of vision loss. They show how to do things like cook, sew, write, do financial affairs and correspondence. They can also help those with recent central vision loss become aware of the nature of their problem, and help develop the best strategies for using peripheral vision. This is "Preferred Retinal Locus (PRL) awareness and training". PRL awareness and training often improves visual function even without use of magnifiers and devices. The Occupational Therapist's services are ordinarily covered by Medicare and health insurance, as with a doctor's visit. Contact us if you have any questions.

Operation of Clinic

CSVR is run in much the same way as any Doctors office. Patients are seen on referral by a Doctor, state agency or may be self-referred. Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and almost all other insurers are accepted. Uninsured or underinsure patients will be seen and evaluated on the usual basis. Individual arrangements will be made and an attempt to help them obtain funding and assistance.

Advocacy:

At CSVR, we believe that we should encourage and assist those with vision loss. This includes helping with contacting appropriate state and national agencies (such as the Veterans Administration, Department of Rehabilitation Services, etc.) We have experience working with these, and can help our patients with the sometimes prolonged negotiations. It is important to persist in efforts to obtain whatever help is needed to enable you to work, remain independent or simply function at the highest level possible, and we look forward to helping you achieve this. Much help can also be obtained by attending our support groups, where you can meet others who have dealt with similar problems. Contact us for inclusion in our support group lists. We can help with needed accommodations in many ways, and will be happy to discuss any advocacy problems you have.