Low Vision Clinic

Both functional and clinical assessment of persons with visual impairment is done in this clinic.  Visual Acuity test and visual field test are conducted under clinical assessment. Visual efficiency of low vision children is developed and their reading preferences are tested under functional assessment.  Magnifiers necessary for children are tested and prescribed.  Referral services are also made to reputed eye hospitals in Coimbatore.

The low vision clinic of the IHRDC, supported by the Asian Foundation for Prevention of Blindness, was put to optimum use to identify children with visual impairment.  Screening camps to identify children with disability in different schools of the Periyanaickenpalayam and Karamadai blocks of the Coimbatore district are being conducted by the staff of IHRDC from time to time.  For example in 2003, under phase one, five camps were conducted in which children with visual impairments, hearing loss and cognitive defects were identified and were referred for further action.  In all, 2081 children were assessed during the course of these camps of which 69 children were found to be with defective vision, 65 children with hearing defects. 

Under second phase, screening programmes were conducted on 6, 13 and 20 of November 2003 at the Panchayat Union Primary Schools of Devaiyampalayam, Naickenpalayam and Govanur respectively and the IHRDC team screened a total of 409 children. The children identified to have difficulties in visual, hearing and learning problems were brought to the centre for further therapy and intervention services.

The third phase screening was conducted on February 26, 2004 at Panchayat Union Primary School, Periya Mathampalayam to screen 95 children.  Fourth phase of screening programme was conducted on March 11, 2004 at Panchayat Union Primary School, Pettathapuram in which 100 children were screened.  Fifth and concluding phase of screening was conducted on March 18, 2004 at the Panchayat Union Primary School, Selvapuram in which 108 children were screened.

Moreover, every year Vidyalaya students are screened for low vision testing and suitable remedial measures are recommended. For example in 2008-09, 1352 students were screened in Low vision Unit from various institute of Vidyalaya and 74 students were identified having distance vision problem.

Other Services:

• The unit offers early intervention programme to children with visual impairment

• Orientation about Visual efficiency skills, non-optical devices and optical devices were given to students of physiotherapy and social works of various colleges

• Note (Money Identification) training is provided