Occupational Therapist - Occupational Therapy

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Medical Health and Wellness
Permanent
Faculty of Science - School of Optometry and Vision Science - Centre for Sight Enhancement Administration
The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist is responsible for assessing patients for adaptive devices and training on visual aids and exercises prescribed by the optometrist as well as demonstrating techniques and concepts to assist the patient with environmental modifications and basic activities of daily living. The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist works as part of a vision rehabilitation team comprised of optometrists optometry student interns an optometric resident high technology assessment specialists a counselling intern and a social work intern. The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist will also provide supervisory support for interns in the Sight Enhancement Clinics.

Review patient rehabilitation plan clinical assessments and reports prior to patient assessment to understand patients condition history capabilities and goals.
Communicate and collaborate with rehab team other health care workers and teachers in patients circle of care and provide input and recommendations for patients rehabilitation program.
Visit/assess/work with patient in clinic community or home setting (when imperative).
Identify modifications and alternatives to adapt vision aids for accommodation of other disabilities
Confirm optometrists spectacle or device prescription through trial of medical filters adds and magnification. Assist patient to select appropriate frames for custom spectacles.
Identify potential accessibility problems in the home/school and community environment and suggest solutions.
Perform CCTV assessments for ADP authorization as needed.
Supervise optometrist designed rehabilitation exercises.
Other services within clinic or community resources)
Conduct Low Vision patient follow-up after clinic visit to assess outcome measures and identify any additional services or training required.
Maintain electronic medical records describing all patient contacts and assessments.
Maintain the Loan Program equipment and its associated database.
Complete process for registration in community support agencies.
Maintain inventory of donated devices.
Maintain and build knowledge of devices for the visually impaired as well as instructional strategies and techniques.
Provide supervision of optometry interns for related Sight Enhancement Clinic activities and supervision of interns in the Vision Rehabilitation fields.
Provide learning opportunities for optometry students interns and residents by participating in didactic opportunities.
Explain role and low vision aids and ADL strategies to groups touring the clinic.
Promote vision rehabilitation at health expos public education events and/or through workshops

Post-secondary degree in Occupational Therapy Vision Science and/or certification as a Certified Low Vision Therapist or Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Must be licensed/registered with relevant professional college

Two years experience working with the elderly and individuals with a disability
Experience can be a combination of work volunteer positions placements internships and co-op positions.
Experience working in a health care environment.
Will be required to complete study for Certification as a Low Vision Therapist with ACVREP
ADP Authorizer status would be an asset. Will be required to complete training and registration as an ADP authorizer.

Able to teach technical and non-technical skills to patients and adapt teaching method for individuals
Knowledge of Vision Therapy exercises/strategies is an asset
Knowledge of accessibility features for high technology equipment and CCTVs is an asset
Knowledge of visual system eye conditions and their impact is an asset
Knowledge of braille and braille adaptive devices is an asset
Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset
Equity Statement
Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research learning teaching and community building and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students faculty and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity anti-racism and inclusion. As such we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized including applicants who identify as First Nations Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit) Black racialized a person with a disability women and/or 2SLGBTQ.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.