An Optometry and OT Collaborative Model: Roles and Opportunities

This highly sought-after course introduces participants to an interprofessional model of collaboration between occupational therapy and optometry in remedial vision rehabilitation for the neurological population. Through the shared perspectives of both disciplines, attendees will explore how the distinct expertise of each profession integrates to promote meaningful, functional improvement in clients with concussion and other neurologic conditions. The session emphasizes the value of coordinated care in addressing visual, cognitive, and occupational performance deficits within real-world contexts. Participants will learn to confidently justify occupational therapy’s role within vision rehabilitation and articulate OT’s unique contribution to functional outcomes. The course also guides clinicians in understanding and interpreting a comprehensive optometric (OD) report, translating clinical findings into occupation-based treatment planning.

An example of a thorough occupational therapy concussion evaluation is provided to illustrate how visual deficits are embedded within functional performance. The session concludes with a practical case example demonstrating collaborative care between OT and optometry, equipping attendees with a framework to foster interdisciplinary partnerships and enhance client outcomes. This course consists of approximately two hours of lecture.