CONFIDENTIAL
EDUCATIONAL LOW VISION EVALUATION
Student:
Maya
Date of Birth:
October 26, 1986
Age:
15 years, 0 months
Grade:
9th Grade
Date of Evaluation:
November 7, 2001
Evaluator:
Silvia Correa-Torres
Evaluator Title:
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
Eye Specialist Diagnosis:
Achromatopsia & Nystagmus
Visual Acuity:
20/200 OD
20/200 OS
OD
OS
Visual Fields:
Other Medical Diagnosis:
Test(s) Administered:
Visual Skills Appraisal
Distance Test for the Partially Sighted
Near Vision Test for Children
Sloan Reading Cards for Low Vision Patients
PV-16
The Lighthouse Functional Vision Screening Questionnaire
Informal Reading Inventory
GENERAL INFORMATION
Maya is a 15 year-old female who is currently in the 9th grade at Pathways High School.
She was evaluated in order to determine her visual skills in an educational environment. Maya
was referred for an Educational Low Vision Evaluation in order to update her educational
records and to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which requires the
reevaluation of a student who receives special education services at least every three years. This
is the functional vision component of the multidisciplinary team evaluation. The reader is urged
to refer to additional reports from the multidisciplinary team for further information. The
following is a functional vision assessment for educational purposes only and should not be
substituted for regular, ophthalmologic evaluations.
Maya was diagnosed with achromatopsia, and nystagmus. Achromatopsia is a congenital
condition in which there is an inability to see colors caused by the deficit or absence of cones.
Nystagmus refers to involuntary eye movements, which can result in an inability to maintain
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fixation, reduced visual acuity, visual fatigue, and dizziness. Photophobia (light sensitivity) also
tends to accompany these eye conditions. The inability to use the eyes together and maintain
binocular vision is also affected with nystagmus. Thus, Maya may experience problems with
depth perception. Accommodation problems are also typical which would affect Maya’s ability
to shift her gaze between near tasks and distance tasks. Maya’s eye condition is stable at this
time.
Maya was reluctant to participate in this evaluation. However, once it was explained that
the test was designed to help her make educated choices about her visual needs, she was
cooperative. Due to the fact that this evaluation was not a high priority for Maya, the results give
a limited sampling of her visual abilities. Furthermore, it should be noted that Maya is not
interested in receiving vision services or using optical aids in the classroom.
RESULTS OF EVALUATIONS
When given a choice, Maya preferred to work in conditions with normal overhead
lighting. Maya indicated that she usually completes tasks in pen or pencil on standard, college
ruled paper. From a distance of approximately 3 inches, Maya was able to read the equivalent of
8-point type with relative ease. This is a sample of 8-point type. Eight-point type is characteristic of print
found in paperback novels. Using an 8x magnifier, Maya was able to read 6-point type. This is a sample
of 6-point type. Six-point type is the size of print found in a newspaper article.
Maya currently uses
regular print and will use large print on occasion. She showed a preference for 18-point type,
which she indicated would allow her to read more pages than regular print before she
experiences visual fatigue This is a sample of 18-point type. Eighteen-point
type is typically used in large print books. Maya indicated that she can read 3 or 4 regular print
pages or 6 large print pages before becoming fatigued. When reading standard textbook print,
Maya read approximately 58 words per minute. When reading large print, she read
approximately 133 words per minute. When using regular print with a 15X, hand-held tri-lens
magnifier, she read approximately 55 words per minute. Maya selected the tri-lens magnifier
because it could easily be concealed in her hand during use. However, it significantly reduced
her viewing field to approximately 17 characters. Students of comparable age typically read
185-195 words per minute. Maya indicated that her parents usually help her complete reading
assignments because it is quicker.
From a distance of 10 feet, while using both eyes, Maya was able to read the 10/80 line
on the Distance Test for the Partially Sighted. Using an 8X monocular with her right eye, Maya
was able to read the 10/10 line. This indicates that Maya would be a good candidate for using a
distance prescription aid. The results of this test indicate that Maya’s distance vision is poor.
Basically she sees at a distance of 20 feet or less what the healthy eye sees at 160 feet.
The Visual Skills Appraisal consists of several subtests, which assess the student’s visual
functioning in different areas. Although Maya is over the age limit for comparing her with norm
data, the test yields information useful in educational programming. Upon Maya’s request, the
functional vision evaluation was condensed. Therefore, only one subtest was administered.
This particular subtest in the Visual Skills Appraisal assesses the student’s ability to use
the eyes as a team by having them trace an alternating red and green line while wearing glasses
with red and green lenses. Maya did not appear to have a dominant eye. However, she also did
not use her eyes as a team. She completed each segment of the line separately (i.e. she did all
one color first and then the other). This indicates that Maya does not achieve binocular vision
and may experience difficulty with depth perception.
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In order to assess her color vision, Maya was asked to arrange colored tiles in a hue
progression. As expected, the results indicate that she experiences color blindness.
Maya’s peripheral fields are restricted. Normal fields range from 90-110 degrees. Her
right field measured 35 degrees, and her left field measured 40 degrees. This type of field
restriction can severely impact her ability to respond to moving objects, such as traffic.
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Maya is a legally blind student with a stable eye condition. Over the years, she has
learned to compensate for her visual difficulties with the assistance of family and friends. Thus,
Maya does not tend to use optical aids on a regular basis, which might improve her efficiency.
This report reflects one portion of the multidisciplinary team evaluation. Maya’s IEP
committee should consider information in all the reports from the multidisciplinary team when
determining educational programming and transition issues.
Recommendations for educational modifications are as follows:
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Preferential seating away from windows and glare
Extended time to complete tasks involving reading
The use of large print materials for extended reading tasks
An 8X monocular for distance viewing
An 8X hand-held magnifier
Desk copies of board work and overheads
Adaptation of color coded maps, tables, & graphs
Opportunities to interact with other people who have visual impairments
Silvia Correa-Torres
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments/Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Pathways to Independence
970-123-4567
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IEP Planning Notes
(For service provider use only)
Student: Maya
Area: Visual Efficiency
Service Provider: Silvia Correa-Torres, TVI/COMS
Present Level of Performance
Strengths
 Understands her visual impairment
 Uses vision well in familiar settings
Needs
 Self-advocacy at school
 Understanding of various optical aids and how they can enhance visual functioning in
different environments and on different tasks
IEP Recommendations
Goal: Visual Efficiency: Maya will increase her ability to advocate with school personnel
regarding her visual needs.
Objectives:
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By the end of the first day of classes, Maya will make appropriate arrangements with all
of her teachers to get desk copies of notes in 2 out of 2 trials.
Given a particular optical aid, Maya will accurately demonstrate its use and describe
appropriate situations for use in 2 out of 3 trials.
Given an 8x monocular, Maya will identify environmental signs with at least 80%
accuracy in 3 out of 3 trials.
Service Recommendation: 1 hour per month
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