Vision Science | SUNY College of Optometry

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 29-1122.01

Skills

Active ListeningSpeakingLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessInstructingService OrientationReading ComprehensionActive Learning

Knowledge

English LanguageEducation and TrainingPsychologyTransportationCustomer and Personal Service

Abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionProblem SensitivityWritten ExpressionSpeech ClarityDeductive ReasoningSpeech RecognitionFluency of IdeasInductive Reasoning

Tasks

Teach cane skills, including cane use with a guide, diagonal techniques, and two-point touches.
Recommend appropriate mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, long canes, ele
Train clients with visual impairments to use mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog

Technology

Device drivers or system softwareData base user interface and query softwareComputer based training softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareInternet browser software

Tools

Adjustable task lampsAmsler gridsAnti-glare visorsAstigmatism wheel chartsBailey-Lovie Acuity ChartBar magnifiersBraille embossersBraille label makersBraille laptop computersBraille personal digital assistantsBraille writersCheck writing guidesClosed circuit television monitorsColor discsCone adaptation test sets

Work Values

RelationshipsAchievementIndependenceRecognitionWorking ConditionsSupport

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium29-1122.01	Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Doctoral Degree)

Program design and strategic direction — architect organizational vision rehabilitation service models aligned with evidence-based practice, regulatory requirements, and community needs across regional or national program portfolios.
Workforce development — design and implement competency-based training curricula for orientation and mobility specialists and vision rehabilitation therapists, elevating professional standards across an agency or academic program.
Policy and advocacy leadership — represent the profession before legislative bodies, accreditation organizations, and funding agencies to advance access, reimbursement, and standards for vision rehabilitation services.
Research translation and knowledge generation — lead applied research or systematic program evaluations that produce publishable findings and directly inform clinical practice guidelines for the field.
Advanced outcomes measurement — develop and institutionalize data-driven quality assurance frameworks using analytical and process-mapping software to monitor client outcomes and drive continuous improvement at an organizational scale.
Executive-level interprofessional collaboration — build and sustain strategic partnerships with healthcare systems, educational institutions, and community organizations to integrate vision rehabilitation into broader continua of care.
Technology innovation and adoption — evaluate and champion the integration of emerging assistive technologies, electronic travel aids, and digital rehabilitation platforms into clinical service delivery at an enterprise level.
Organizational culture and ethics — establish and model professional, ethical, and empathic standards of practice, setting institutional norms that foster client-centered, equitable, and trauma-informed rehabilitation environments.
Complex resource allocation — oversee budget planning, grant acquisition, and staff deployment for multidisciplinary vision rehabilitation programs serving large, diverse populations with varied funding mechanisms.
Field-level thought leadership — deliver keynote scholarship, publish professional guidance, and chair national committees that shape the theoretical and practical direction of orientation, mobility, and vision rehabilitation practice.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.