Physiotherapy with Low Vision: Visits and Home Exercises

If you have low vision, finding your way around an unfamiliar clinic or following a printed exercise sheet can be difficult. Physiotherapy should give you time, clear explanations and instructions in a format you can use.

For people in Ranchi preparing for an appointment at The RNB Clinic, these practical steps can help you explain your needs and understand your home exercises. Your physiotherapist can adapt how they teach movements to suit your vision, comfort and treatment goals.

Before your appointment: explain what helps you

When booking, mention that you have low vision and describe any support you need. For example, you might need help finding the entrance, someone to meet you at reception, or exercise instructions that work with your phone’s screen reader. Ask what arrangements are available.

Tell the team what makes seeing easier or harder for you, such as glare, dim lighting or small print. You can request explanations in Hindi, English or another language you find comfortable, and check whether that is possible.

Bring your usual glasses, magnifier or mobility aid, along with relevant medical information and a list of medicines. A trusted companion is welcome if you want support, but the conversation and decisions should remain centred on you.

During the visit: ask for clear descriptions

Ask your physiotherapist to describe the room, point out obstacles and explain where you will sit or exercise. Let them know how you prefer to be guided; they should ask before providing physical assistance.

Before an assessment or movement, ask for an explanation of what will happen and where the therapist intends to touch you. You can request a pause or decline any part you are uncomfortable with.

Specific instructions such as “place your right hand on the chair back” are more useful than “put it here.” Ask the therapist to describe the starting position, direction and finishing position, then practise together at a pace that suits you.

Leave with home instructions you can actually use

An exercise sheet is useful only if you can access it. Depending on your preferences, ask about large, high-contrast print, accessible digital text or an audio explanation. If you would like to record instructions, ask the therapist first.

For each exercise, confirm the starting position, movement, number of repetitions, any hold time and how often to do it. Also ask what sensations are acceptable, when to stop and how the exercise should change if it feels too difficult.

Before leaving, explain the instructions back in your own words and demonstrate the movement while the therapist checks it. This helps identify unclear instructions. Ask for a contact route if you forget a step or need clarification later.

Set up a familiar space for home exercise

Choose a clear, familiar area and keep furniture and equipment in consistent places. Remove loose rugs, cables and other trip hazards. Use lighting that helps you see comfortably without glare; contrasting colours may make a chair or piece of equipment easier to locate.

Use the support your physiotherapist has recommended, such as a stable chair that will not slide. Ask whether someone should be nearby for particular exercises. Balance exercises may need extra precautions, so avoid adding challenges such as closing your eyes unless specifically instructed.

If you cannot remember a movement, pause and check rather than guess. Stop if you feel dizzy, unsteady or develop new or worsening pain, and seek advice before continuing. Sudden loss of vision or a sudden marked change in sight needs urgent medical assessment.