By: Dr. Gregory Hopkins
I think it’s fair to say that we, as optometrists, are all in the business of helping people. Much professional satisfaction can be gained from correcting patients back to 20/20 with the right glasses, contacts or successful surgical co-management! For your patients for whom nothing more can be done refractively (or otherwise), it’s probably the case that they are concerned about continuing to lead quality lives. Maybe they’ve expressed worry about renewing their driving privileges, keeping their jobs or purchasing the right magnifier.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the agency that directs our state’s Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI). BSVI is a vital referral resource to have at your fingertips, whether you offer low vision services in your practice or not. Upon your recommendation, BSVI will interview your patient and can potentially “open a case” for them. Your patients will receive the support necessary to use their remaining vision to succeed at work and at home. None of us like sending patients out the door without hope or solutions to their vision problems. Earn their gratitude and continue to gain professional satisfaction from these patient encounters by taking the time to download and use the referral resources below!
What BSVI is all about
BSVI Referral Form for Low Vision Services
PDF BSVI Eye Report (Fillable)
Visit http://www.ood.ohio.gov/ to find out more!