Functional evaluation and rehabilitation of severely visually impaired children (0–4 years)

Abstract

The paper describes the early intervention rehabilitation program used at the Robert Hollman Foundation, Lake Maggiore, Northern Italy, with particular emphasis on the concept of functional low vision evaluation and rehabilitation of severely visually impaired and/or multihandicapped children (0–4 years). It also discusses the basic principles of the functional evaluation of residual vision in severely visually impaired children, applying the fundamental criteria of ‘early low vision training’ as devised by Dr. Barraga (USA) with additional input from other American and European methods. In particular, the paper highlights the main aspects of the visual and oculomotor reactions of such children in early childhood and offers suggestions for possible visual rehabilitation.