7 Evidence-Based Intervention
There are many intervention strategies occupational therapy practitioners can use to support older-adults with visual impairment complete daily activities. Researchers have studied many of these interventions. Those that have high-quality research supporting them may be recommended routinely while those with lower quality research supporting them may be recommended on a case-by case basis.
Routine-use
The interventions described here have moderate or strong evidence and may be offered routinely to clients with age-related visual impairment. Click on (+) to learn more.
Case-by-case use
The interventions in this section have limited or inconsistent evidence. They should be used on a case-by-case basis after or along with interventions that are supported by more research. Click on (+) to learn more.
Note: Links to the systematic review articles can be found in Chapter 12.
References
Kaldenberg, J., & Smallfield, S. (2013). Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Older Adults with Low Vision. Bethesda, MD: AOTA Press.
Kaldenberg, J., & Smallfield, S. (2020). Practice Guidelines—Occupational therapy practice guidelines for older adults with low vision. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74, 7402397010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.742003
Smallfield, S., & Kaldenberg, J. (2020). Occupational therapy interventions to improve reading performance of older adults with low vision: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74, 7401185030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.038380