Optimizing Low Vision Rehabilitation in Emotionally Distressed Patients With Inherited Retinal Diseases

The initial session will be with an LVR specialist that will recommend vision-enhancing devices and techniques to improve participant's vision and mobility functionality depending on needs. The devices will be given at no cost and include, but are not limited to: magnifiers that participants can hold or wear, glasses attachments that help filter out light to see better, or items that help with glare or seeing color. This session will be followed by at least one session with an occupational therapist, that will train participants to use the devices (take home and use) and recommend/teach ways to achieve functional goals. Most participants will be asked to attend 2-4 visits, but additional visits may be needed depending on needs and progress toward functional goals. Additional visits if orientation and mobility training is also recommended. Participants will be asked to share experiences approximately 1-week after all visits.

There will be ten 1-hour weekly sessions of specialized psychotherapy with an ERT-trained therapist. These are typically done virtually but may be able to provide in-person sessions to those where this is needed. At the beginning of each session, the therapist will give participant's several questionnaires to learn about participant's experience with ERT. Questionnaires will also be completed after all sessions are completed.