The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is pleased to announce the expansion of vision rehabilitation services at University Station. Our clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach, integrating optometry, occupational therapy, and social work services. Comprehensive functional vision evaluations are conducted to assess the use of remaining vision. Based on these evaluations, recommendations are made for tools and resources to enhance visual function, including adaptive changes, magnifiers, telescopes, electronic devices, filters, lighting, and contrast adjustments.
Occupational therapy services include a fully equipped rehabilitation room with a kitchenette, driver’s assessment tools, Dynavision light training reaction device, and other instruments. These services help patients develop skills to compensate for vision loss, maintain independent living, and use recommended low vision aids. Training covers techniques such as eccentric viewing, scanning, tracking, and other rehabilitation methods. Integrated social work services provide a comprehensive approach to vision rehabilitation, addressing lifestyle changes and psychosocial impacts of vision loss, and aiding in creating plans for better rehabilitative outcomes.
The UW Health Optical Shop at the University Station Eye Clinic offers a range of low vision aids from top brands such as Eschenbach Optik, Vispero, Designs for Vision, Chadwick Optical, FL-41 filters, and Brain Power Incorporated filters. Fitting and ordering tinted contacts for light sensitivity is also available.
Collaboration with the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired (WCBVI) in Madison enhances our services. We provide in-home services, recommend devices from the low vision store, and offer white cane and orientation mobility services, adaptive technology services, and support groups. Understanding insurance coverage is crucial, and patients are always advised to confirm coverage for vision rehabilitation services.
For patient care, please visit:
UW Health
Pediatric Vision Rehabilitation
For the pediatric population who need low vision rehabilitation, please continue to visit Vision Forward in Milwaukee (birth-onward), the Wisconsin Center for the Blind in Janesville (school-age, K-12), or similar organizations to ensure proper age-appropriate initial and subsequent guidance.
We currently do not provide pediatric-specific low vision services due to the specialized nature of students’ vocational needs and school district policies. Each school district employs a vision rehabilitation teacher who can work with your family to accommodate your child’s low vision needs.
For more information, please contact the organizations mentioned or work with your school district to receive the proper services. Our occupational therapist does offer driver’s evaluations for teenagers who are planning to pursue a driver’s license.