VisionPlus India

leisure activities, and social isolation. Early detection of mental health issues and social support from family, teachers, and friends are crucial. Professional counselling and promoting self-advocacy from a young age enhance a child's independence and ability to overcome obstacles. Treatment Outcomes Early intervention with low vision services leads to improved visual acuity, enhanced visual functioning, better quality of life, and stronger academic performance. Comprehensive low-vision management is essential for achieving these positive outcomes. Evidence supports the benefits of early low-vision rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of timely and appropriate interventions for children with low vision. formal visual acuity and day- to-day functioning. Colour Vision assessments, including the Ishihara test, Farnsworth D-15 test, or Mollon-Reffin minimalist test, help identify difficulties with object recognition and potential schoolwork challenges. Cycloplegic Refraction is crucial due to the high incidence of refractive errors in this population. Dynamic retinoscopy prior to cycloplegia evaluates accommodative capacity, guiding the prescription of bifocal corrections if needed. MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Managing paediatric low vision requires an interdisciplinary approach involving ophthalmologists, optometrists, occupational therapists, vision rehabilitation therapists, assistive technology trainers, orientation and mobility specialists, psychologists, and vocational counsellors. Near Vision Aids Children with poor near vision benefit from optical low vision devices like single-vision spectacle magnifiers, hand- held or stand magnifiers, and monocular telescopes. These aids prevent poor posture and neck strain. Electronic Low Vision Devices Video magnifiers and smartphone applications with voice recognition, screen readers, and audiobooks offer significant assistance. Although video magnifiers provide high magnification, their cost may be prohibitive. Glare Control and Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Tinted lenses, special absorptive filters, and side shields help manage photophobia. Consistent placement of items at home and school, large print books, adaptive technology, and occupational therapy optimise independence in ADLs. PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT AND SUPPORT Children with low vision are at higher risk for mental health concerns due to reduced mobility, dependency on caretakers, limited participation in EARLY INTERVENTION WITH LOW VISION SERVICES LEADS TO IMPROVED VISUAL ACUITY, ENHANCED VISUAL FUNCTIONING, BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE 44 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION