Knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire knowledge of the legal definition of low vision and blindness, the characteristics of central and peripheral low vision, and the main ocular conditions responsible for central and peripheral visual impairment. The student will also acquire knowledge of low vision rehabilitation and the use of optical and electronic aids.

Applying knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire the ability to apply knowledge of the different forms of low vision to identify the main characteristics of visual impairment.

Making judgements: The student will develop the ability to critically evaluate the characteristics of visual impairment and to interpret the main parameters relevant to the definition of the rehabilitation pathway.

Communication skills: The student will acquire the ability to appropriately describe and communicate the characteristics of the different forms of low vision and the main associated conditions, using appropriate technical and scientific terminology.

Learning skills: The student will acquire the methodological foundations necessary to independently understand and further explore the main issues related to low vision and the use of the most appropriate assistive devices.

As required by the University regulations

Legal blindness: Definition and criteria for blindness and low vision. Main parameters used to assess visual function and classification of the different categories of visual disability according to current legislation.

Conditions causing low vision: Main ocular conditions responsible for low vision, with particular reference to conditions causing central and peripheral visual impairment. Clinical and functional characteristics of the main forms of low vision and their impact on activities of daily living.

Low vision in adults and children: Characteristics of low vision in adults and children and the main differences in the assessment of visual function. Most common causes of low vision in different age groups and their impact on development, independence, and quality of life.

Visual rehabilitation: Principles and objectives of visual rehabilitation. Assessment of residual visual abilities and definition of the rehabilitation pathway according to the characteristics of the visual impairment and individual needs.

Optical and electronic aids: Principles of operation and applications of the main assistive devices for low vision. Optical and electronic aids to support visual function. Criteria for the selection and adaptation of assistive devices according to the type and severity of visual impairment and the specific needs of the patient.

Books:

1) Ipovisione – Nuova frontiera dell’Oftalmologia, Edizione SOI 2002

2) La riabilitazione Visiva, Coordinatori: F.Cruciani, A.Reibaldi, Quaderni SOI, 2014

3) S. Miglior, T. Avitabile, S. Bonini, E. Campos, L. Mastropasqua: “Malattie dell’apparato visivo” - 2014, EdiSES s.r.l. Napoli.

4) Jack J: KANSKI: "Oftalmologia Clinica" - Elsevier Italia Srl, 2004 (edizione italiana a cura di R. Brancato, C. Azzolini)

Web sites:

sito del Polo Nazionale di Servizi e Ricerca per la Prevenzione della Cecità e la Riabilitazione Visiva degli Ipovedenti http://www.iapb.it/polonazionale/

sito della rivista Ipovisione, organo dell' Associazione dei Retinopatici ed Ipovedenti Siciliani http://www.ipovisione.org/categorie.asp?idcategoria=55&idsottocategoria=29

sito Unione Italiana ciechi ed ipovedenti https://www.uiciechi.it/

These exams may be held remotely, should the conditions require it. The oral exam may take place on the same day as the written exam or a few days afterward.

The purpose of the exam is to thoroughly assess the student’s preparation, their analytical and critical thinking abilities on the topics covered during the course, as well as their mastery and appropriateness in using technical language.

The final evaluation will be based on the following indicative criteria:

Exam not passed: Insufficient knowledge of fundamental concepts, inadequate use of language and/or presentation, inability to solve the required questions.

18–23: Basic knowledge of essential content; limited presentation and connection skills; partial solution of the required questions, limited technical language proficiency.

24–27: Good mastery of the topics covered; clear presentation and adequate ability to make connections; correct resolution of most of the required questions, good technical language proficiency.

28–30 with honors: Complete mastery of the content; articulate and conscious presentation; critical ability to connect concepts; full resolution of the required questions, excellent mastery and appropriateness in using technical language.

blindness and low vision, central and peripheral

vision field

pathologies causing central vision loss

pathologies causing peripheral low vision

maculopathies

glaucoma

causes of low vision in childhood

visual rehabilitation