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Focus on… CBM’s low vision programmes in Asia

Low Vision is a cross cutting issue

: Rolf Müggenburg, Continental Director Asia. © CBM

Rolf Müggenburg, Continental Director Asia: For CBM’s work in Asia, Low Vision is and will remain a cross cutting issue. We have developed so called Low Vision Implementation Plans for the different regions of Asia. These have the main aim to provide access to any client with Low Vision in the regions to the necessary clinical and functional assessments, to training, advice and devices to make optimal use of their vision in order to enable them to improve their quality of life and to promote independence and inclusion in the local community.

Objectives are:

Create awareness about Low Vision among all parties involved.
Promote early identification of Low Vision
Develop training in Low Vision as part of exiting trainings and as postgraduate trainings.
Organise availability of and access to low vision devices for programmes and individuals.
Establish Low Vision services at primary, secondary and tertiary levels to provide comprehensive low vision care, using existing education, medical, rehabilitation and relevant community programmes

: The photo shows a Low vision class run by the community of Vidyalaya. Pre-school children and school children are integrated into regular schools, which are being coached by the project. After medical assessment they receive training to stimulate their remaining vision and, in case that the children are diagnosed to go blind, are prepared to adjust to life as blind persons, by providing them with orientation and mobility training.

The centre International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment is located 15 km north of Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. It is nationally well-respected and pioneered in the movement for Integrated Education for the blind on a professional approach in India. Now, it provides the Region's best computerised Braille production system. The Project is involved in training professionals in the field of special education and also offers comprehensive cross disability Community Based Rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities in the target area. © CBM