How to Make Low Vision "Sexy": A Starting Point for Interdisciplinary Student Recruitment

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Professionals in the field of low vision are increasingly concerned about the paucity of optometry students who are expressing any interest in low vision as a clinical subspecialty. Concurrent with this apparent disinterest is an increased demand for these services as the baby boomer population becomes more predisposed to age-related vision loss. The authors of the present study conducted a qualitative survey to investigate ways to attract more young professionals into the field of low vision. The results of their survey revealed areas of concern including advertising, financial incentives, equipment and facility costs, relevance for practice, gaining experience, age-ism stereotypes, role models, and start-up opportunities, and yielded several suggestions that training institutions around the globe could consider and implement to redress the situation.KEYWORDS: low vision, qualitative survey, student recruitment Clinical low vision experts are becoming increasingly concerned about the paucity of optometry undergraduates who are expressing any interest in low vision as a clinical subspecialty. This apparent disinterest is occurring at a time when the demand for these services is increasing as the baby-boomer population becomes more predisposed to age-related vision loss. The con-cern about insufficient professional resources to cope with this looming population with low vision is not confined to the optometric profession. Occupational therapists have already recognized the need for recruitment strategies (Mulholland & Derdall, 2004, 2005); orientation and mobility and rehabilitation teachers are also preparing for the growing need of young pro-