This new and expanded Third Edition analyzes blindness within the context of two overlapping theoretical constructs: the development of self-esteem and the process of adjusting to social and/or physical trauma. The book is divided into four sections. The first section provides an overview of blindness and the essential background for subsequent discussions. Section II explores the general theoretical model for the development of self-esteem common to all persons and analyzes the impact that blindness imposes upon this model. Section III explores the process of coping with social and physical traumas or crises. Section IV is addressed primarily to members of the blind person�s support team and provides suggestions for creating a climate for optimum development. Factors that may influence the adjustment process, descriptions of external and internal sources of self-esteem, activities for stimulating affective growth, and guidelines for professionals who work with the blind are included. Personal impacts and psychosocial implications of blindness are discussed in-depth and illustrated with biographical and autobiographical statements by more than 50 blind men and women. This book will serve as an excellent review and refresher for experienced practitioners and administrators working in the field of blindness. Professionals in education, social work, vocational counseling, rehabilitation, recreation therapy, ophthalmology, and optometry will find this comprehensive resource to be an invaluable addition to their libraries.

Discusses how cultural, social, and religious factors play an important role in the way an individual perceives and copes with a visual impairment, and how it can affect their self-esteem and social relationships.

The ability to see deeply affects how human beings perceive and interpret the world around them. For most people, eyesight is part of everyday communication, social activities, educational and professional pursuits, the care of others, and the maintenance of personal health, independence, and mobility. Functioning eyes and vision system can reduce an adult's risk of chronic health conditions, death, falls and injuries, social isolation, depression, and other psychological problems. In children, properly maintained eye and vision health contributes to a child's social development, academic achievement, and better health across the lifespan. The public generally recognizes its reliance on sight and fears its loss, but emphasis on eye and vision health, in general, has not been integrated into daily life to the same extent as other health promotion activities, such as teeth brushing; hand washing; physical and mental exercise; and various injury prevention behaviors. A larger population health approach is needed to engage a wide range of stakeholders in coordinated efforts that can sustain the scope of behavior change. The shaping of socioeconomic environments can eventually lead to new social norms that promote eye and vision health. Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative: Vision for Tomorrow proposes a new population-centered framework to guide action and coordination among various, and sometimes competing, stakeholders in pursuit of improved eye and vision health and health equity in the United States. Building on the momentum of previous public health efforts, this report also introduces a model for action that highlights different levels of prevention activities across a range of stakeholders and provides specific examples of how population health strategies can be translated into cohesive areas for action at federal, state, and local levels.

Emphasizing the need for collaboration and cooperation across medical, education, rehabilitation, and social service disciplines, this volume provides a primary reference tool for those engaged in work related to low vision rehabilitation and service delivery. It provides information about the funct.