Example Case Ocular

ICF-Based Visual Profile: Case Example

Background

Sarah is a 9-year-old girl with congenital visual impairment. Her parents sought a comprehensive assessment to understand her visual functioning within the ICF framework.

ICF-Based Visual Profile

Body Functions and Structures

  • Visual acuity: 6/60 (20/200) in both eyes
  • Visual field: Constricted to 20 degrees centrally
  • Contrast sensitivity: Significantly reduced (log CS 0.75)
  • Color vision: Normal
  • Eye movements: Mild nystagmus present
  • Visual processing: Difficulties with complex visual scenes

Activities and Participation

Seeing and related functions (d110-d129)

  • Can recognize faces at close range but struggles with facial expressions (d110)
  • Difficulty reading standard print; uses magnification devices (d166)
  • Can navigate familiar environments but struggles in new or complex settings (d110)

Learning and applying knowledge (d130-d159)

  • Uses touch and hearing to compensate for visual limitations in learning (d130-d159)
  • Requires additional time to complete visually-based tasks (d160-d179)

Communication (d310-d329)

  • Verbal communication skills are age-appropriate (d310-d329)
  • Struggles with non-verbal cues in social interactions (d315)

Mobility (d450-d469)

  • Can move independently in familiar environments (d450)
  • Needs assistance or mobility aids in unfamiliar or complex settings (d460)

Self-care (d510-d570)

  • Independent in most self-care activities but may need extra time (d510-d570)
  • Struggles with tasks requiring fine visual discrimination (e.g., matching clothes) (d520)

Environmental Factors

Products and Technology (e110-e125)

  • Uses a tablet with screen magnification software (+e130)
  • Benefits from high-contrast materials and enlarged print (+e130)

Support and Relationships (e310-e320)

  • Receives strong support from family and teachers (+e310, +e330)
  • Some peers lack understanding of her visual needs (-e325)

Attitudes (e410-e425)

  • Family has a positive, supportive attitude (+e410)
  • Some societal attitudes create barriers to full participation (-e460)

Services, Systems and Policies (e510-e595)

  • Receives support from special education services (+e585)
  • Limited availability of community programs adapted for visual impairment (-e575)

Implications for Development and Support

  1. Educational Strategies:
    • Provide materials in accessible formats (large print, digital)
    • Allow extra time for visually-based tasks
    • Incorporate multisensory learning approaches

  2. Social Skills Development:
    • Teach explicit strategies for interpreting social cues
    • Facilitate structured social interactions with peers

  3. Independence and Mobility:
    • Provide orientation and mobility training
    • Teach use of assistive technologies

  4. Environmental Modifications:
    • Optimize lighting and contrast in home and school environments
    • Minimize visual clutter and maintain consistent organization

  5. Psychosocial Support:
    • Build self-advocacy skills
    • Provide counseling to address potential frustrations and build resilience

  6. Family and Community Involvement:
    • Educate family members and peers about Sarah's visual functioning
    • Advocate for inclusive community programs

This ICF-based profile provides a comprehensive view of Sarah's functioning, considering not just her visual impairment, but how it interacts with her activities, participation, and environment. It serves as a foundation for developing targeted interventions and support strategies across multiple domains of her life.