Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists

Low-vision and mobility therapists do a lot of hands-on work (for example, they “write reports or complete forms to document assessments” and “develop rehabilitation or instructional plans” with clients ^[1]). Today, some routine parts of the job are getting tech help. For instance, AI models like ChatGPT can now draft therapy notes for occupational therapists; one study even found AI-written notes were rated more “complete” and “empathetic” than human ones ^[2].

This suggests AI could take over paperwork and reports. In contrast, deeper tasks still rely on humans. We did not find any AI systems that fully create a custom rehab plan or train cane skills – these require personal judgment and teaching skill.

Similarly, tasks like “obtain, distribute, or maintain low vision devices” and working with other specialists ^[1] haven’t been automated. Therapists also “monitor clients’ progress” to tweak plans ^[1]; AI tools might one day help by tracking movement or vision tests, but at present progress checks are done by the therapist. Overall, AI is mostly augmenting this work – helping with analysis or documentation – rather than replacing the human experts.

Several factors affect how fast AI will come into these jobs. On one hand, general AI tools (for example, speech-to-text and telehealth apps) are commercially available, so things like report-writing can be upgraded cheaply. Also, AI is growing in healthcare – researchers note that “AI adoption in rehabilitation is a growing trend globally” ^[3] and that AI can assist with program design and patient monitoring ^[3].

On the other hand, these vision-rehab roles are in high demand (O*NET labels them a “Bright Outlook” field) and tend to rely on personal trust. Devices like AI-enabled smart canes exist, but they must be purchased and learned. Because therapists are skilled professionals, clinics may find it cheaper or safer to hire more people than invest in new tech.

Social and legal norms also favor human care when sight and safety are at stake. In short, AI will likely keep being used as a helpful tool, while the human touch – empathy, experience, and teaching – remains vital ^{[1] [3]}.