[Should the ophthalmologist provide low vision counseling?]

Abstract

The experience gained at the low-vision center of St. Gallen Eye Hospital shows that there is a real need for this service, particularly among the elderly, and that this kind of counseling is very time-consuming. Until now, low-vision counseling in Switzerland has been provided mainly by opticians and other paramedical personnel. In view of these facts the question arises as to whether such services should not also--and primarily--be provided by ophthalmologists and their orthoptists. For more complicated cases it is suggested that low-vision counseling should also be offered at the ophthalmology departments of major hospitals.