Vision problems can negatively impact an individual’s ability to do what brings meaning to their life and can lead to depression, social isolation, and increased risk for falls. These problems, in turn, can make living in the community safely and independently a challenge and can result in significant financial burdens. In Yakima County, there are approximately 3,200 to 3,800 people living with vision problems (namely visual acuity loss or blindness), the majority of whom are over 65 years of age.
Providing resources and services to individuals in Yakima County is important for improving quality of life, increasing independence, and promoting successful aging. The Vision for Independence Center (VIC) is a local, non-profit organization whose mission is to address the needs of individuals with vision loss. VIC is operated by volunteers and has a low-vision clinic and store. The clinic provides evaluations by optometrists who are skilled in identifying, recommending, and training clients on the use of vision devices that maximize visual function. After devices are appropriately identified, clients can purchase them in the vision store.
Dr. Brandon Imamshah, a licensed occupational therapist and Assistant Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy at PNWU, recently joined VIC’s Board of Directors. Dr. Imamshah will be working closely with VIC’s optometrists and other board members to identify opportunities to maximize the success of VIC clients. These opportunities include ways of ensuring that clients are successfully using their devices in their homes and community, and identifying the extent to which the use of devices is improving their ability to do what brings meaning to their lives. Additionally, Dr. Imamshah and Dr. Christopher Babin (one of VIC’s optometrists) will be identifying opportunities to see beyond vision problems and look for ways of promoting overall health and successful aging, which includes decreasing the risk for falls in the home and community.