New Vision Rehabilitation Certificate Addresses Nationwide Shortage

As age-related eye diseases become more common, the need for vision rehabilitation services is expected to dramatically increase

Three people sitting at a table.
Two Duke occupational therapists work with a client.

This is a summary of a story by Liz Switzer on Duke University School of Medicine. 

Brian Gonzalez Granados is completing Duke’s vision rehabilitation certificate for occupational therapy students and knows how he wants to use it. After graduation, he plans to provide home-based low vision services in Durham County with a focus on Spanish-speaking patients. For him, the specialized training is a chance to help people in the community where he grew up maintain their independence after vision loss.

His path reflects an effort at Duke University School of Medicine to address a growing national shortage of vision rehabilitation specialists. As more people develop age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, demand for these services is expected to climb. That’s particularly true in states like North Carolina, with a large influx of retirees. Yet only about 450 Certified Low Vision Therapists practice nationwide.

To help close that gap, Duke Eye Center and the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate program have created a first-of-its-kind training pipeline. Students can earn a graduate certificate in vision rehabilitation, and beginning in August 2026, Duke will also offer a fellowship with an additional year of advanced clinical training, scholarship, and leadership development. Together, they form the only program of their kind in the country.

The certificate combines classroom instruction with at least 350 hours of supervised clinical training. Training takes place inside Duke Eye Center, where students work alongside ophthalmologists, optometrists, occupational therapists, social workers, and rehabilitation specialists. 

"Vision impacts every facet of life," said Omar Mohiuddin, a low vision occupational therapist at Duke Eye Center who works with trainees and patients. "Ultimately, we're addressing quality of life, independence, dignity, and the ability to participate in meaningful activities."

Graduate Joshua Lucas found purpose in the program after seeing a family member struggle with glaucoma. ""You will have a skill set that is not only needed now, but will be in high demand for the future, and you will help many, many people," he said. 

For more information about the graduate certificate in vision rehabilitation go to Duke University School of Medicine.