Low Vision Clinic to Offer Expanded Services

Despite the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UW Health Low Vision Clinic – led by Sanbrita Mondal, OD, clinical adjunct assistant professor – has announced that it will offer expanded services and resources beginning summer 2021.

One of the most significant changes is the addition of a low vision occupational therapist. The occupational therapist will work with patients to train on low vision aids and develop the skills needed to maintain independent living. Dedicated low vision space at the UW Health University Station Eye Clinic will be renovated to include a fully functioning rehabilitation room equipped with a kitchenette, driver’s assessment, Dynavision light training reaction device, and other tools to support the new occupational therapy services.

The occupational therapist will join our ophthalmology social worker, Alicia Wolf, who joined the team in 2018. “Alicia Wolf helps us provide the most complete low vision care we can offer, by providing information on transportation services, financial help, connections with the department of vocational rehab, as well as food and housing concerns,” said Dr. Mondal. Wolf’s services have been a critical addition to the low vision patient population, and occupational therapy services are expected to have a similar impact.

The clinic continues to expand the use of tinted contacts. These opaque contacts are a great aid to low vision patients who suffer from light sensitivity.

Dr. Sanbrita Mondal demonstrates low vision aids at the UW Health University Station Eye Clinic.

As an academic healthcare system, the UW Health Low Vision Clinic also supports medical student education. Starting in 2020, UW medical students now rotate through the Low Vision Clinic in addition to other specialties in ophthalmology. Students spend a half-day in clinic with Dr. Mondal to better understand low vision, how to introduce services to their patients, and how the services benefit the ophthalmology patient base.

Previously operating on Fridays only, the clinic has expanded its hours to include Tuesday and Thursday mornings as well.

Dr. Mondal is committed to low vision research. Her work focuses on how to improve availability for low vision services, not only within UW Health but also in Dane County and across Wisconsin.

More information on the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences low vision service can be found here.