Henry Ford Center for Vision Rehabilitation & Research

Our vision rehabilitation program maximizes independence and quality of life for those with vision loss from any cause.

The Henry Ford Center for Vision Rehabilitation & Research provides comprehensive rehabilitation to help people with vision loss maximize their independence in daily activities at home and in their communities, and preserve their quality of life and well-being.

Comprehensive vision rehabilitation care

Our program is a national model for comprehensive vision rehabilitation care, and it includes:

• Comprehensive low vision evaluation by an ophthalmologist and certified low vision optometrist
• State-of-the-art central and peripheral field mapping
• Individualized rehabilitation with an occupational therapist who addresses the patient’s particular needs, interests and vision, including reading, writing and activities of daily living at home and in the community

Vision rehabilitation services

During rehabilitation, each person with low vision receives the following services:

• Optical and non-optical low vision devices chosen by and for the individual from a comprehensive selection
• Strategies to maximize use of residual vision
• Introduction to community and national resources
• Environmental adaptations and advice on lighting, glare control, contrast enhancement and home safety measures

Specialty services

In addition, the Henry Ford Center for Vision Rehabilitation & Research offers several specialty services for those who need them, including:

• Driving evaluations: We offer an off-road driver safety evaluation for those with early dementia, cognitive impairments and those who may be able to drive with bioptic telescopes.
• Stroke and brain injury rehabilitation: Our occupational therapists work with people who have suffered strokes or other brain injuries, and who may have loss of visual field and/or visual processing.
• Orientation and mobility training: Long white canes and support canes, as appropriate. Training to safely ambulate at home and in the community, including street crossings.
• Technology training: Magnification devices, CCTVs, computers, tablets, smartphones and e-readers.
• Caregiver training: For those with cognitive or significant physical deficits in addition to vision loss.

Our vision rehabilitation team

The Henry Ford Center for Vision Rehabilitation & Research team includes an ophthalmologist, low vision optometrist and occupational therapists who are all also Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVTs). In addition, one of our staff members is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the Blind and Visually Impaired (COMS) and another is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). Our vision rehabilitation team includes:

• Lylas G. Mogk, M.D., Center Director, and Chair, Michigan Commission for the Blind, Advisory to the Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
• Raman Deol, O.D. , FAAO, Low Vision Specialist
• Annie Riddering, OTR/L, COMS, CLVT, Director of Rehabilitation and governor appointee to the Michigan Council of Rehabilitation Services
• Mary Ellen Daniel, MS, OTR/L, CLVT, CAPS
• Colleen O'Donnell, MS, OTR/L, CLVT
• Lori Schlegel, OTR/L, CLVT
• Wanda Smith, OTR/L, M.A. Ed., CLVT
• Annette Babinski, OTR/L, CLVT
• Michelle Buck, OTR/L, CLVT
• David Dahl, MS, biomedical technician

Henry Ford Vision Rehabilitation Locations

The Vision Rehabilitation Program is offered in three convenient locations: