While providing care as a home health occupational therapist many years ago, I worked with a woman who told me that she had the ‘macula’ and that because of it, she could no longer read or cut her meat. I was intrigued and puzzled as to what she meant.

This encounter also changed my professional life as it marked the beginning of my path towards specializing in low vision.

I began to search for learning opportunities and discovered the work of Mary Warren, first by attending one of her weekend workshops, followed by completing the AOTA self-study course Mary authored. In 2006, I landed a full-time job in low vision rehabilitation, in my home state of Maryland. To ensure I had the knowledge and skills I needed, I applied and was accepted into the UAB graduate certificate program.

I greatly appreciated the quality and depth of learning each class provided. The time spent on each concept far exceeded what one could absorb over a weekend or on one’s own. The responsiveness of the instructors was immediate and convinced me that an online learning experience was just as good as being there in person. This was fortunate, as I would have been unable to attend unless I was able to continue working full time. I completed the certificate program in 2009 and then went on to complete the full master’s program in the years that followed.

After receiving my certificate, I moved to Houston, for six years, to work at the University of Texas Center for Vision Rehabilitation. Following this, I returned to Maryland, where I currently have my own solo private low vision practice. In addition, I am a clinical specialist with VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies.

I have presented several times at Envision, and my research paper was published in Visibility. I am also proud to have been awarded the Specialty Certification in Low Vision by AOTA.

I continue to be enriched by this program through the camaraderie of the active list-serve maintained by the graduates and faculty of this program and the bi-yearly practice updates offered by the UAB OT department. If you are wondering if this program is for you, I hope that something I have shared will help you decide.