Rehabilitation and Support Services

Duke offers comprehensive vision rehabilitation through a multi-disciplinary team of health care providers for patients who have lost vision to age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, stroke, diabetes, and other eye diseases. Services include a comprehensive visual function evaluation, technology assessment and training, and occupational therapy evaluation and training. Disability adjustment counseling services and support groups are also available for patients and their families.

Low Vision Rehabilitation

Duke’s comprehensive rehabilitation service helps patients optimize their visual function to maximize their quality of life.

A low vision evaluation includes:

• Determination of the patient's goals 

• Complete visual function evaluation 

• Ocular health assessment

• Low vision device assessment and training 

• An occupational therapy evaluation to address activities of daily living

• Referrals to mental health professionals when appropriate

• Referrals to state agencies when eligible

•  Referrals to orientation and mobility specialist when necessary 

The initial evaluation may take up to an hour and a half. A patient may need more than one visit to achieve their personal rehabilitation goals. Home visits by the occupational therapist are also available.

Patient/Family Support Program

It is not unusual for people with vision loss to experience different levels of concern, anxiety or frustration or to struggle with lifestyle adjustments as their disease progresses. Duke’s patient care manager is available to assist patients and their loved ones in coping with such challenges. Disability adjustment counseling services and support groups are also available.

To make an appointment or contact the Vision Rehabilitation Service or the Orientation and Mobility Specialist please call 919-684-0569.