Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Also called: Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.
Also called: Blind Orientation and Mobility Therapist (Blind O and M Therapist), Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT), Global Mobility Specialist, Low Vision Therapist
Median pay
$100,330
Pay for the broader BLS group “Occupational Therapists”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$71,690 – $131,950
People employed
162,450
Whole BLS group
Holland code
SRI
Social · Realistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 6.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Occupational Therapists”.
What low vision therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and vision rehabilitation therapists do
- 01Teach cane skills, including cane use with a guide, diagonal techniques, and two-point touches.
- 02Recommend appropriate mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, long canes, electronic travel aids (ETAs), and other adaptive mobility devices (AMDs).
- 03Train clients with visual impairments to use mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, electronic travel aids (ETAs), and other adaptive mobility devices (AMDs).
- 04Develop rehabilitation or instructional plans collaboratively with clients, based on results of assessments, needs, and goals.
- 05Write reports or complete forms to document assessments, training, progress, or follow-up outcomes.
- 06Train clients to use tactile, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and proprioceptive information.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from low vision therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and vision rehabilitation therapists
- Adapted Physical Education Specialists84% · group pay
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers82% · —
- Rehabilitation Counselors82% · —
- Occupational Therapy Assistants82% · —
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School81% · —
Change into low vision therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and vision rehabilitation therapists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Healthcare Social Workers78% · $67,880
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers78% · $60,280
- Midwives77% · $65,790
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary77% · $80,250
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary76% · $75,870
Majors that lead here
- Occupational Therapy/Therapist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.