Knowledge, skills, and attitudes of psychologists working with persons with vision impairment.

This study provides data that may be used as the basis for more rigorous research into identifying areas for vision impaired-specific competency-based training in undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional psychology curricula.Implications for rehabilitationWhilst competencies for disability and rehabilitation psychology already exist, the competencies for psychologists working with persons with vision impairment require updating, informed by both practitioners and clients with vision impairment.These competencies include: knowledge of eye conditions and pathologies; knowledge of the variation in impact of vision loss; general knowledge about vision loss and normal lifespan development; and, the ability to assess the specific impact of vision loss on the individual.Other skills and attitudes, such as oral communication skills and relaying hope and optimism, whilst necessary for all therapeutic encounters, may require particular modification when working with vision-impaired persons.Educators responsible for professional postgraduate courses in psychology should ensure that training incorporates an understanding of the need to modify approaches for particular groups of clients, such as those with vision impairment.