The challenges of after-dark travel for low vision children are examined in terms of physical effects of low light on normal and abnormal vision and consequences for low vision travel and orientation skills. Techniques for efficient vision use are suggested along with night travel aids and considerations in night driver vision. (CL)

The article orients the reader to numerous aspects of low vision aids, including types of aids, function of aids, training sequence and considerations, a non-technical description of visual acuity, and favorable prognostic factors in using low vision aids. A brief annotated resource list is included. (Author)

The article suggests recommended student competencies for students using low vision devices at preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. It also presents an extensive bibliography on low vision aids for special educators. (DB)

Five considerations for determining the most appropriate learning medium for students with functional vision are: (1) working distance from the page; (2) portability of reading skills; (3) reading rates and accuracy; (4) visual fatigue; and (5) interpretation of assessment results. (Author/DB)

Low vision services to help visually impaired students maximize their use of residual vision are provided through a multidisciplinary regional clinic team in a sparsely populated area of Texas. Workups give classroom teachers information on techniques and optical aids. (CL)

Elementary partially sighted students read significantly more total books and school books using the Visolett (a low vision aid) than using large print text books, and the junior high partially sighted students read significantly more total pages using the Visolett. (Author/CL)

Provides practical advice for the teacher on helping the visually impaired child succeed in the regular classroom. Includes consideration of classroom and materials, adaptations, special subjects, such as physical education, and interpersonal issues. (SJL)

This article presents a practical guide to help professionals develop techniques and materials that motivate preschool-age children to learn to use low vision devices. Skills for optical-device training and sample training activities for monocular and magnifier use are outlined. (Author/DB)

A visually impaired rehabilitation teacher describes a model developed in Maine for providing low vision services, with emphasis on teaching the use of near-point aids to assist on near-point tasks. The article addresses preevaluation services, assessment of clients with low vision, and follow-up when the client begins using the aids at home. (DB)

This study of the effects of lenses of different colors on the visual abilities and comfort of 20 patients with retinal disease found that, in home trials, the critical issue was density more than color. Office tests of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity with colored lenses did not predict subjective benefit. (Author/JDD)

This Australian study compared effects of relative-size magnification and relative-distance magnification on the reading rates of 24 adults with normal vision and 22 adults with low vision. For the subjects with low vision, the magnification method did not affect their reading rates, although subjects with normal vision showed slower reading at…

This paper presents a summary of presentations and discussion from a World Health Organization meeting of experienced low vision practitioners. It outlines the magnitude of the problem; current status of low vision care; enhancement of the use of vision; and recommendations in definitions, identification, assessment, low vision centers, education,…

This article illustrates use of the alternating treatment design to assess effectiveness of individualized interventions in low vision rehabilitation. The design was used to determine whether enlarging copy (to one of two magnification levels) and adding contrast would be effective in reducing the time a visually impaired student required to read…

The article describes a sequential training curriculum in the use of telescopic visual aids. The curriculum covers 29 topics, including aid maintenance, holding aid properly, focusing, scanning, target location, tracking, aid use for city bus travel, in a shopping center, and in a fast food type restaurant. (Author/SBH)

This article reviews some of the existing technology that assists children with low vision in their ability to use environmental cues. It provides recommendations for modification of color and contrast, illumination, space, and time. A chart lists technological assists for environmental cues and vendor information. (Contains references.) (CR)