Assessment
Assessment is an important first step in providing a magnifier or telescope.
Through an assessment you will gather information about the person’s vision, ability, and what activities they would like to do.
The information will help you and the person select the best product for them.
If the person already has a magnifier or telescope, the assessment is a good way to check whether it is meeting their needs or not. The assessment will help to make decisions about adjusting, repairing or replacing their magnifier or telescope.
Information from the assessment will help you to plan:
- How the person will use their magnifier or telescope
- What to teach the person
- If referral to any other service is needed.
Assessment form
The TAP Magnifiers and telescopes assessment form will guide you through the assessment and selection process.
The assessment form includes questions to ask the person on:
- Information about the person
- Known vision problems
- Activity and ability
It also has space to write notes and make a plan with them.
Instruction
If you haven’t already, download the TAP Magnifiers and telescopes assessment form and print a copy.
Instruction
Whenever you see this icon on the form, it means the person may need a referral.
Prepare the room and the person
Find a quiet, private space to sit with the person. Use the questions on the assessment form to learn about:
- Any vision problems they have, and whether they have seen an eye health professional in the last 3 months
- Their ability and the activities they would like to do
- Current vision assistive products
- Additional information needed for using a magnifier or telescope.
Explain to the person that answers to these questions will help you both select the most appropriate product for them.
It is important to involve the person and understand from them what they need to do with a magnifier or telescope. Also involve family members or caregivers when appropriate.
Tip
Often there are a range of different activities that the person would like to do. They may need more than one type of magnifier and/or telescope.
To get started, identify with the person what their most important activity is. Select an appropriate product to help with this first. Once the person is confident using this product, repeat the process for other products they may need.
Instruction
The following topics will explain the assessment questions, and how a person’s answers can guide selection of the right product.