Tips for Low Vision (Feeding/Fine motor)

Touch…our second pair of eyes

o
Lighting
• Reduce glare: use shades over lamps, windows, or lights to reduce glare in kitchen or area of play
• Provide good lighting
o Check and modify lighting in the kitchen, bedrooms, hallways, living room, etc.
o Position lighting to reduce shadows.
o Position light source, such as a lamp, behind or close to the tasks being performed so that there is not too
much light going directly into the eyes.
Contrast
• Contrasting colors will make objects and surroundings more noticeable and recognizable.
o The use of colored trays, plates, knives, and forks that contrast with the table/highchair or that contrast with
the foods being eaten.
o The use of toys that have defined contrasting colors in the location they are played with.
o Check to see that furniture contrasts with the walls, carpets, or floor.

Organization
• Arrange food on the plate, toys, or other items in groups and always store them a familiar location.
• Practice placing items in the visual field that is cut, use hand under hand to help technique teach them about their
limbs or objects/food placed in front of them in the neglected visual field to increase spatial awareness, promote
curiosity, and visual tracking.
• Remove clutter to reduce tripping or falling hazards

References:

Hyvärinen, L. (1995). Considerations in Evaluation and Treatment of the Child with Low Vision. American Journal of
Occupational Therapy, 49(9), 891–897.

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2013). Living with Low Visions. https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-
Therapy/Patients-Clients/Adults/LowVision.aspx
 Pillow Positioning
Support for the hemiparetic side

Side lying on Unaffected side Side lying on Affected side

• Example above: Left-side affected

• 1-2 pillows placed under the head
• Affected shoulder is placed forward &
supported by pillow
• Affected leg positioned backwards
onto pillow
• Back supported by pillow
• Example above: Left-side affected
• 1-2 pillows placed under the head
• Affected shoulder is extended
forward & supported by pillow
• Unaffected leg will be positioned
forward onto pillow
• Back is supported by pillow

Seated in Chair Seated in Bed

• Example above: Left-side affected • Example above: Left-side affected

• Seated w/back upright in chair • The affected arm is placed forward
• The affected side is placed forward & supported w/1-2 pillows
& supported on top of 1-2 pillows

Reference
Mobile Physiotherapy Clinic. (2017, January 19). Physiotherapy management of hemiplegia.
https://mobilephysiotherapyclinic.in/physiotherapy-management-of-hemiplegia/