The International Society for Low Vision Research and Rehabilitation is a multi-disciplinary society of professionals from across the globe interested in the field of research and development for rehabilitation of people with vision impairment. This includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, physicists, psychologists, occupational therapists, certified low vision therapists, physicians, and other clinical healthcare professionals, among others.
Work in this field includes:
- quantitative and qualitative assessments of visual functioning.
- rehabilitation of people with vision impairments.
- developing comprehensive rehabilitation models.
Research on the topic of visual impairment is becoming increasingly critical due to projected dramatic increase in the expected number of people with uncorrectable vision loss over the next several decades due to ocular diseases and/or cortical-based impairments. Accessibility to visual information is important for various endeavors, such as educational goals, vocational needs, social interactions, travel, and activities of daily living, which include increasing reliance on information in digital format, in addition to hard copy materials. The vital role of utilizing remaining vision and the use of visual assistive aids or other sensory substitution devices to accomplish essential tasks underscores the importance of advancing research and development in this field. Another important goal is to reduce disparities and key barriers to care for vision rehabilitation services. The International Society for Low Vision Research and Rehabilitation (ISLRR) addresses a critical need by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and information among professionals dedicated to low vision research, thereby fostering innovation and improving quality of life for individuals with vision impairment.
Aims of the Society
The objectives of the ISLRR are:
- to advance scientific research in the field of vision impairment and the rehabilitation of individuals with vision impairment, fostering innovation and evidence-based practices.
- to promote the exchange of information, ideas, and best practices among researchers, clinicians, and professionals in these fields.
The society aims to achieve these goals by:
- coordinating and distributing information through a variety of educational and professional events, including courses, workshops, symposia, and international conferences, to foster learning and collaboration.
- stimulating and facilitating communication on vision impairment and the rehabilitation of people with vision impairment, promoting awareness, understanding, and the exchange of information within the professional community and beyond.