Vision and Aging: Issues in Social Work Practice.

The focus of this book is on the individuals, service systems, programs, and policies that are affected by aging and vision loss. The preface to this book offers the reader facts that support the editor's conclusions that (1) the majority of people who are blind and severely visually impaired are over the age of 65 years, and (2) research findings indicate the greatest obstacle for individuals and professionals in this field to be a lack of knowledge about what information currently exists in the fields of aging and blindness. The articles in this book, therefore, are aimed toward assisting social workers and allied health professionals who work with older persons in learning what resources do exist and how best to help older persons who are experiencing vision loss.

The first article is perhaps the most basic in scope, yet is very informative in citing statistics and psychosocial factors associated with aging and vision loss. The second article is also more fundamental. It explains, in their own words, the varied reactions to vision loss that are experienced by older persons. From here, the book takes a more detailed direction by giving examples of models of community-based services for older adults who are blind, an example of a vision screening questionnaire for older people, perceptions and opportunities for employment for adults with visual impairments, and a needs assessment for persons with visual impairments. Some of these articles, which concern the development and measurement of rehabilitation programs and their outcomes, are based on specific programs that are already in existence. It is probable, however, that developers of new programs may find information in this book that would be beneficial.

Although the editor clearly states that the book is directed toward social workers, physical therapy practitioners who work with adults who are visually impaired will find a large part of this book to be extremely beneficial in refining their clinical skills. All references are current and appropriate for the length of these composite articles. The individual articles are well written, and the text has been edited in a well-organized manner. Therapists will find that a majority of the articles are easy to read, and their content would be functional in the clinic. Physical therapy instructors could use this material in psychosocial and geriatric modules. Not being a social worker, I find it difficult to assess whether the coverage given to vision and aging in this text is comprehensive or limited. As a physical therapist, however, I do find it to be an adequate treatment of the subject, as it would involve other physical therapy practitioners in a clinical, academic, or administrative setting.