Frequently Asked Questions
“Don’t give up, normally it is the last key on the ring which opens the door.”
– Paulo Coelho, Brazilian novelist
About Low Vision
For clients using a screen reader, the questions are followed by an answer. You may have to double click the question to activate the answer drop down on your screen reader.
What is low vision?
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Low vision when there is a decline in visual function that cannot be corrected by glasses, contacts, surgery, or other medical intervention that can affect your ability to do your daily activities.
What is occupational therapy and how can it help someone with low vision?
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Occupational therapists consider all the things that a person may want to do (i.e. occupations) and the environment in which they do those things. Occupational therapists help people to be more independent and safe in their home and to continue to participate in the community. For the person with low vision, this will involve strategies to compensate for their vision loss to do the things that are important to them.
About Our Services
What types of insurance do you accept?
We are currently accepting Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you have another insurance carrier, check to see if they provide out-of-network benefits for occupational therapy. Private pay options are also available .
What populations can be seen by Empower Occupational Therapy?
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Our focus is on providing care to adults with low vision, although adults with other conditions and adolescents requiring pre-driving skills training with a bioptic may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss your specific case.
What is the process to receive services?
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We require a referral from your physician (i.e. primary care or specialist). For low vision rehabilitation, your physician referral can come from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
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When the referral is received, we will touch base to gather more information and schedule an initial occupational therapy evaluation
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Typically, therapy will require more than one visit. The initial evaluation will require more time than follow up visits and may take as long as 90-120 minutes. Empower Occupational Therapy is unique in that we provide in-home occupational therapy services on an outpatient basis.
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During the initial evaluation, we will work with you to develop a customized plan based on the areas of concern identified, functional performance considerations, and environmental factors influencing performance to meet the goals you established.
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Anticipated frequency of follow-up therapy sessions is 1x/week, the length of the appointments may vary.
What is your service area?
We are located in northwest Austin and service a 30 mi radius. Please call to see if you are in our service area.