Low Vision Therapy Professional Division
Statement of Purpose
The creation of an AER Low Vision Therapy Professional Division is essential to support the sustained integrity, growth, and advancement of low vision therapy within the field of blindness and low vision. The Division will address the professional needs, educational development, and policy issues faced by AER members who hold ACVREP Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) accreditation (fellows) and associate members (non CLVT-certified division members).
CLVTs complete functional low vision evaluations using instruments that assess visual acuity, visual fields, contrast sensitivity, color vision, stereopsis, visual perceptual and visual-motor functioning, literacy skills, work history, educational performance, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, technology use, quality of life, and psychosocial and cognitive factors. CLVTs also instruct clients in the use of prescribed low vision devices and adaptive equipment, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support safe, productive, and independent living.
In this role, the Division will stand at the crossroads of clinical low vision services, assistive technology, environmental modification, education, employment, and independent living for clients of all ages. The Division will be uniquely positioned to advise the AER Board on matters affecting CLVT practice, professional standards, workforce development, and the evolving needs of the populations served by low vision therapists.
The Division will stand alongside and collaborate with other AER Professional Divisions and Interest Groups to advocate for holistic services for individuals with vision loss, regardless of where they live or what stage of life they are in. The Division will also support continuing education and professional exchange to help CLVTs maintain certification, stay current with emerging trends, and provide the highest quality instruction and rehabilitation services.
Statement of Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Complete the current strategic plan and develop the next multi-year strategic plan for the Division, with priorities aligned to CLVT practice, professional growth, and AER engagement.
Goal 2: Build a productive board and committee structure within the Division, with clarity of roles and active participation in work assigned through the Policy and Procedures Manual and strategic plan.
Goal 3: Utilize the AER Board representative position to advocate for the needs of the Low Vision Therapy Professional Division at the AER Board level.
Goal 4: Provide continuing education opportunities for CLVTs, including a minimum of two eLearning seminars annually, offered independently or in collaboration with other AER divisions or interest groups.
Goal 5: Host quarterly meetings to engage the CLVT community, support member collaboration, and strengthen AER participation and member retention.
Goal 6: Provide division communications, including newsletters or similar updates, at minimum twice per year.
Goal 7: Engage with CLVTs nationally and internationally through virtual meetings, presentations, and collaborative learning opportunities.
Membership Criteria and Acceptable Documentation
To become a Fellow of the AER Low Vision Therapy Professional Division, an individual must meet both of the following criteria:
- Be a member in good standing of AER; and
- Hold current ACVREP Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) accreditation.
Acceptable documentation shall include:
- A current ACVREP CLVT certificate, or
- Verification of current CLVT credential status, including a credential number or other documentation accepted by AER.
Members may participate in this Professional Division as either a Fellow or an Associate Member.
- Fellow: Fellows are voting members of the Professional Division. To be considered for Fellow status, members must submit acceptable documentation demonstrating that they meet the membership criteria above.
- Associate Member: Associate Members are non-voting members of the Professional Division. Documentation is not required. Associate Members may include related professionals such as ophthalmologists, optometrists, occupational therapists, researchers, administrators, teachers, rehabilitation specialists, and other allied professionals. Associate Members may receive division-specific communications and may be invited to division webinars, meetings, and events.
To join the AER Low Vision Therapy Professional Division, individuals should email [email protected] and clearly indicate whether they are requesting participation as a Fellow or as an Associate Member.
If requesting Fellow status, please attach acceptable documentation for review. Notification of review status will be provided within one week of email receipt.