Specialist, Low Vision

Do you want to work for a health care organization that changes people's lives? One that not only cares deeply about clients, but also values that its employees are its greatest asset?

**Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada** is a unique health services organization that serves people who are blind or partially sighted across the country. Our certified specialists provide training that empowers clients to develop or to restore activities of daily living skills, to promote their independence, to enhance safety and mobility. We work closely with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other health care professionals, by providing essential care on a referral basis in homes, workplaces and communities across the country.

We offer competitive salaries and benefits, flexible schedules, and opportunities for professional development and growth.

For more information about Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, please visit visionlossrehab.ca or call 1-844-887-8572.

**Position Title**: Specialist, Low Vision

**Location**: Halifax, NS

**Term**: Full-time, Permanent

**Reports To**: Manager, Healthcare Operations

**Date**: October 25, 2024

**I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities**

Performs Functional Low Vision Assessments, uses functional vision evaluation instruments to assess visual acuity, visual fields, contrast sensitivity function, color vision, stereopsis, visual perceptual and visual motor functioning, literacy skills in reading and writing, etc. as they relate to vision impairment and disability. The Specialist also evaluates work history, educational performance, use of technology, quality of life and aspects of psychosocial and cognitive function. They also instruct in the use of prescribed low vision devices.

**II. Essential Functions**

**This position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities**:

- Conducts functional low vision assessments.
- Teaches individuals with partial sight how to maximize residual vision.
- Recommends and trains in the use of optical and non-optical aids.
- Educates individuals about their eye condition and vision health.
- Refers individuals to other internal and external services.
- Handles public inquiries regarding vision health and low vision services.
- Conducts research on new optical aids, adaptive equipment, and new findings in the eye care field.
- Attends professional development training and conferences as required.
- Delivers public speaking seminars and workshops on low vision services and related topics to community agencies/groups and health care professionals.
- Interprets medical information.
- Performs administrative duties, including, but not limited to, data input, documentation of assessments/client contact, and applicable subsidy program(s) as appropriate.

**Relationships**
- Liaises and builds relationships with community-based rehabilitation teams, agencies, schools, partners, health practitioners and stakeholders.
- Provides support and consultation to individuals and their families regarding adjustment to vision loss.
- Attends and participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
- Promotes an understanding and awareness of vision health related issues through consultation, public education, and in-service training.
- Assists with the training, placement and supervision of volunteers and students.

**Problem Solving**
- Provide timely delivery of low vision services to ensure individuals with vision loss acquire travel skills to remain/regain independence.
- Ability to creatively and quickly problem solve to respond to unique individual needs.

**Decision Autonomy**
- Utilizes standard procedures and processes to work with individuals on developing an individual program to accommodate their unique needs.
- Utilizes judgment when determining if the individual requires referral to another VLRC service or external services.

Leadership
- Takes initiative to keep abreast of new electronic travel aids and other advances/technologies and techniques in Orientation and mobility.
- Takes initiative to be knowledgeable of guide dog schools and their programs.
- Provides leadership to community groups and partners by educating, advocating and promoting awareness about vision loss.
- Provides mentorship supervision to apprentice staff within the organization, leadership in training and coaching volunteers, students and staff.
- Facilitate and enhance team efforts on a professional level and share specialized knowledge, sources, experience, concepts, and skills.

**Requirements**:
**III. Qualifications**

**Knowledge and Skill Requirements**
- Demonstrated knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, pathology, and low vision rehabilitation including optical and non-optical aids, visual skills and adaptive technology, blindness, and deaf-blindness and the psychosocial aspects of vision loss.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate group education.
- Knowledgeable about disabilities and all life stages (children to seniors)
- Demon