By: Lynn Fishman Hellerstein, OD and Beth Fishman, OTR/L
Abstract: Many occupational therapists have close professional ties to optometrists because of their common philosophy and exposure to similar patient population. The greatest advantage of collaboration between the occupational therapist and optometrist is the opportunity to provide the most appropriate and efficient treatment for patients with special needs who also have vision dysfunction. A collaborative model for visual screening, evaluation, and management between the occupational therapist and the optometrist is presented in this article.
Read this Article on Lynn Hellerstein’s Website
This Month’s Featured Author: Lynn Hellerstein, O.D., FCOVD, FAAO
Lynn F. Hellerstein, O.D., FCOVD, FAAO, has inspired thousands of people to improve their vision and enhance their lives through vision therapy.  For more than 30 years in optometric practice, she has treated children and adults with learning related vision problems, vision perception deficits or brain injuries.  An author and international speaker, Dr. Hellerstein has published extensively on vision related topics.  Her award-winning book, See It. Say It. Do It!: The Parent’s & Teacher’s Action Guide to Creating Successful Students & Confident Kids (HiClear Publishing LLC, 2010) is a remarkable resource for parents, educators and therapists.  See It. Say It. Organize It! is a complimentary workbook with tear out cards designed for parents and patients to implement the recommendations of the therapist.
A Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) and American Academy of Optometry, Dr. Hellerstein is Past-President of COVD.  In 2005, she created the COVD Tour de Optometry program.  As a COVD Board member representing the Tour, she visited every school of optometry in the US and Canada.  She is an adjunct faculty member at Illinois College of Optometry, Pacific University, Southern College of Optometry and University of Houston.
Dr. Hellerstein serves as a consultant to educational groups, rehabilitation facilities and sports teams.  Hellerstein and Brenner Vision Center, P.C., her private optometric practice, is located the Metro-Denver area.
Dr. Hellerstein lives in Colorado, and is available for interviews and speaking engagements.
Please support our contributing authors and visit Dr. Hellerstein’s websites at www.LynnHellerstein.com and www.HBVision.net