In discussions with numerous visually impaired individuals I was shocked to find that none of the three O’s provided any information as to what actions to take once they were totally blind. The ophthalmic fields attitude seemed to be summed up by one person who said in effect, “the profession lost interest once the money flow ended.” To address this painful lack of knowledge I developed, in conjunction with Leader Dogs for the Blind, a presentation to make this field aware of an option for these people. Today I received notification the NCLE had disapproved the course because “Only portions of course are related to task analysis. Too much emphasis on Dogs; not enough on low-vision patient.”
OPTIONS FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
INSTRUCTOR: Roy R. Ferguson, Ph.D.
OBJECTIVES:
Once an eyecare professional has exhausted all avenues of sight restoration and prevention of blindness, they are often questioned as to what steps may be taken to increase mobility of the visually impaired. One option is the use of a dog guide such as those provided by Leader Dogs for the Blind located in Rochester, Michigan. Leader Dogs for the Blind was founded in 1938 by a group of Michigan Lions. Their goal was to train dogs to lead the blind and to provide facilities and means whereby trained dogs could be matched to a blind master. To date, Leader Dogs for the Blind has placed over twelve thousand teams throughout the United States, Canada, and 30 foreign countries.
People who are legally blind, 18 years of age or over, in good health, emotionally stable and of good moral character may be eligible for Leader Dog training. Students live under the supervision of competent instructors during a four-week training period. Training is perceived as an emotional and physical re-education to a new way of effective living.
Leader Dogs for the Blind is supported by contributions from the public-Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs; sororities; various public-supported agencies and private individuals. There is no charge for a Leader Dog or any part of the four-week training program. The cost of placing a team in the field is approximately $17,000 – $24,000.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course the participant should be able to:
A. recognize limitations of prescriptions for visual improvement and recommend alternatives that may enhance a specific visual function;
B. describe how a Leader Dog is trained and placed with the visually impaired;
C. communicate to interested persons the steps in obtaining a Leader Dog
and where to obtain an application;
D. discuss the role of the Puppy Raiser in the training process;
E. outline who is eligible for a Leader Dog.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This one-hour, Level I, Technical course assumes the participant has little or no prior knowledge of the material being presented. This course relates directly to the test specifications for the National Opticianry Competency Examination Domain 10.00, Task 10.01, 10.03 and Domain 20.00, Task 20.01, 20.08, 20.09; and the ABO Advanced Certification Examination which requires the optician to “demonstrate product performance and applicability by providing education to the customer/patient to meet their needs and wants,” “promote awareness of goods and services,” and “deliver complimentary services to the community.” Additionally, topics from this course relate directly to the test specifications for the Contact Lens Registry Examination Domain 10.00, Task 10.01; and the NCLE Advanced Certification Examination that requires contact lens technicians to “serve as an expert resource and educator…” “promote awareness of goods and services,” and “deliver complimentary services to the community.” This course is intended to be generic in nature and will be presented in an objective manner.
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