Overview: 

The Low Vision / OCR Class at the BSBPTC is designed for persons with or without low vision. Depending on the participant’s needs, the class can focus on visual, non-visual or a combination of both elements within the class.  

The Low Vision section of the class is designed for persons with functional low vision. This class will demonstrate and explore a variety of low- and high-tech options to assist with best possible vision use in a variety of settings. This class also assembles (through our case management system and initial interview of client) the client’s low vision history. This assists in determining the need for a current low vision exam as well as follows up with BSBP staff on previous recommendations and authorizations. A recommendation for a low vision exam can come from this class with follow up training if needed on recommendations and understanding results. Recommendations for product purchases can come from the low vision exam practitioner or the BSBP Low Vision teacher.    

This OCR (Optical Character Recognition) section of the class is designed to explore various other options for reading and recognizing print when vision use is taxing or unusable. This allows those with various vision functioning to participate in this class and gain benefit. OCR technologies converts images and documents containing written text into machine readable text data. This technology is crucial for accessing print and required for daily life including the workplace. 

Overall Goal of Low Vision/OCR:

To expose participants to strategies, techniques, and various adaptive devices to increase knowledge and enhance functional vision potential. 

Low Vision/OCR Skill List: 

• Perform initial interview/intake on client low vision history
• Articulate low vision needs and goals
  • Determine goals, needs, and wants for current vision usage for daily living tasks and current/future employment

• Articulate own visual impairment (visual acuities, fields, and/or eye condition) & its functional implications 
• Prepare for low vision clinic (where applicable)
  • Determine goals, needs, and wants for current vision usage for daily living tasks and future/current employment
  • Create “talking points” list of major topics, concerns, and product questions what covered during low vision exam
• A low vision exam follow-up (where applicable)
  • Confirm client’s understanding of results
  • Discuss devices recommended (pros and cons)
  • Determine devices would prefer authorized
  • Make recommendations to home and TC counselor
• Exploration of near, distance, shades/glare aids, lighting, and other visual accommodations
• Demonstrate use of near vision aids (where applicable)
• Demonstrate use of distance vision aids (where applicable)
• Demonstrate use of shades/glare (where applicable)
• Demonstrate use of lighting (where applicable)
• Communicate the use and limitations of the low vision device(s) received (where applicable)
• Demonstrate ability to use and care of the low vision devices(s) received (where applicable)
• Provide with resources and information for low vision device support (where applicable)   
• Communicate basic understanding of OCR technology
• Demonstrate OCR basic functions (apps and/or device)   
• Communicate the use and limitation of OCR technology