Multidisciplinary approach to the comprehensive rehabilitation of individuals with low vision

Abstract

The article highlights current aspects of the rehabilitation of people with partial vision loss. The aim is to substantiate the effectiveness and practical feasibility of a multidisciplinary approach to the comprehensive rehabilitation of individuals with low vision and to propose a target model for integrating low-vision services into ophthalmic care pathways. A narrative review of randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, clinical guidelines and international standards was conducted, alongside a critical analysis of contemporary technological solutions (socially assistive robotics, XR, AI-based applications). It is demonstrated that low-vision rehabilitation programmes reliably improve quality of life, functional visual ability, reading and mobility; embedding psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic modules reduces depressive symptoms and caregiver burden, while specialized orientation-and-mobility interventions lower fall risk and strengthen autonomy. XR tools, socially assistive robots and computer-vision systems show high potential for navigation, visual enhancement and selfcare, yet they require large-scale, real-world trials with patient-centred endpoints and economic evaluation. The proposed model comprises an interprofessional team (ophthalmologist/optometrist, low-vision therapist, occupational therapist, orientation-and-mobility specialist, visionrehabilitation teacher, psychologist/social worker, IT specialist in assistive technologies), a standard pathway of “early detection → functional assessment → individualized plan → training-based behavioural programme with a controlled ‘dose’ of practice → outcome monitoring”, and mandatory inclusion of fall prevention and access to assistive technologies. The authors conclude that multidisciplinary rehabilitation is evidence-based and effective; maximal impact is achieved with early initiation, seamless coordination across levels of care, sufficient intensity of training components and systematic outcome measurement. Priorities for further research include paediatrics, telerehabilitation and the cost-effectiveness of services.