Seeing above the Horizon

Course Aim

To provide an advanced level of knowledge, skills and competencies in the principles and practices of eccentric fixation and viewing techniques, as part of a professional practice role in low vision therapy. This course will equip professionals to provide appropriate support to people with central vision loss to make the most of their remaining peripheral vision

Course objectives

At the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the functional impact of central field loss – including varies causes of central vision loss
  • Describe the theory behind EV techniques
  • Identify the EV needs of people with central vision loss
  • Describe assessment techniques used for assessing a person’s vision who has central vision loss
  • Demonstrate a range of skills used for assessing/training a person with central vision loss
  • Identify/state the location of a person’s ‘best point of vision’
  • Demonstrate appropriate training methods for central vision loss

Course Information

The use of eccentric fixation and viewing techniques to support people who have central vision loss is not new, and has been around for many years. But to date no course for professionals has existed to provide an enhanced level of knowledge and skills in this essential viewing technique – until now. This two-day course programme is a mix of theory, practice and experiential exercises aimed at equipping rehab workers, low vision therapists and any relevant professional who works with people with central vision loss. Normally associated with Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), central vision loss can be associated with a number of eye conditions and therefore affect children, adults and older people alike. The content of the course will examine the background and theory of eccentric fixation, the assessment tools available to you and how to use them, identifying a ‘best point of vision’ and teaching a person with central vision loss how to use their vision, working on both near and distance based tasks including watching TV and reading using eccentric viewing. Practical exercise built into the course programme will allow delegates to hone their skills and competencies to a higher level.

Course programme: 9.30am – 4.30pm

Day One

SESSION ONE: 9.30AM – 11.00AM

  • Welcome and introductions
  • Course aims and objectives
  • Why use eccentric fixation
  • Central vision loss – understanding the problem

SESSION TWO: 11.15AM – 12.45PM

  • The four types of central scotoma

SESSION THREE: 1.30PM – 3.00PM

  • Finding the best point of vision – identifying the preferred retinal loci

SESSION FOUR: 3.30PM – 4.30PM

  • Finding the best point of vision – identifying the preferred retinal loci – continued

Day Two

SESSION ONE: 9.30AM – 10.30AM

  • Eccentric fixation, the assessment and training tools

SESSION TWO: 11.00AM – 12.30PM

  • Eccentric fixation, the assessment and training tools – practical session

SESSION THREE: 1.30PM – 3.00PM

  • Using LVAs with eccentric fixation
  • Does it work, the benefits of eccentric fixation

SESSION FOUR: 3.30PM – 4.00PM

  • Course evaluation

4.00PM CLOSE