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CCMH to Launch Vision Independence Program

July 10, 2008

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital has announced the new Vision Independence Program for those with permanent vision impairments.

Under the direction of Dr. Dan Schott, the program will focus on rehabilitating or teaching patients how to perform daily activities such as reading, watching television, cooking, traveling, sewing, or using the telephone. Dr. Schott will use new diagnostic tools with highly specialized equipment and is excited about offering this valuable new service.

Patients will undergo diagnostic testing and evaluation so that realistic and attainable patient goals are set. “I want the patients to have some goals in mind. The program’s approach is that the glass is half full,” said Dr. Schott. “Yes, the patient has lost vision but there are positive aspects and we want to improve the patient’s quality of life.”

Common diseases that cause vision loss include age-related macular degeneration, which is the most common cause of new blindness in people over the age of 65, diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of new blindness in people under the age of 65, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, albinism, retinal detachments, etc.

Patients should be referred to the Vision Independence Program so that Dr. Schott can work jointly with the patient’s eye doctor to ensure the most successful outcome.

For more information, call the Irwin Rehabilitation Center at 814/274-6180.