Vision therapists provide instruction and education to people who are blind or visually impaired. They typically are referred to as vision rehabilitation therapists because they work with people who have low vision to assist them in developing the skills to navigate their environment. Vision therapists also teach the use of assisstive technology, such as talking computer programs, as well as Braille and adaptive equipment such as canes and seeing eye dogs.
Step 1
Earn a bachelor's degree in social work, education or physical therapy to prepare for admission to graduate school to become a vision rehabilitation therapist. Preparation for graduate school should include intensive computer skills.
Step 2
Spend a year or more working in a field related to eye care, rehabilitation, social work, education or psychology. Admissions counselors at Salus University report that professional requirements are mandatory for admission into the master's degree program for vision rehabilitation therapy. Consider jobs in an optometrist's office, physical rehabilitation clinic or school.
Step 3
Apply for admission to a vision therapy master's program such as the one offered by the Blindness and Low Vision Studies department at Western Michigan University or Salus University. The admission application requires a succinct goal statement and three reference letters that speak to your professional skills and abilities.
Step 4
Take classes to earn your master of science degree in vision rehabilitation therapy (VRT). Curriculum studies should include assessment processes and orientation to the difficulties experienced by people who are blind or visually impaired. Additional studies will include instruction on the psychological aspects of blindness, mobility training and independent living skills.
Step 5
Expect to work in the field as a student and as an intern before earning your master's degree. Most programs require students to spend time becoming acquainted with the various agencies and professionals and methodologies incorporated in the blindness field. Hands-on practice is evaluated. An internship allows students direct contact with consumers and clients in a work setting.
Tips and Warnings
- Volunteer with blind organizations such as the local low vision center or consumer organizations such as the National Federation of the Blind, to get personal contact with blind people, understand their challenges and build relationships that can help you get into graduate school and find employment after graduation.
- VRT is not a high-paying profession ,though job opportunities are expected to flourish as the aging population lives longer and experiences more visual impairments. Vision rehab therapists primarily work for social service agencies and specialized schools that receive government funding. While vision therapists may work in a clinical setting, others are required to visit patients in their homes for therapy sessions.
