To explore vision-related functioning as it relates to Vision Rehabilitation. This involves the development of = insights into vision-related functioning and complex vision-related behaviors, as well as = the development of clinically useful assessment tools, both low-tech and high-tech.
One of Dr Colenbrander’s persistent interests has been in classification and coding. In the 1960’s he participated in the development of a new ophthalmic coding system in the Netherlands.
One of Dr Colenbrander’s persistent interests has been in classification and coding. In the 1960’s he participated in the development of a new ophthalmic coding system in the Netherlands.
In the 1970’s, working with the WHO (World Health organization), the ICO (International Council of Ophthalmology) and the AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology), he coordinated a complete revision of the eye codes in the 9th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9, WHO, 1978) and its Clinical Modification for the US (ICD-9-CM, 1978).
Since 2008 he co-chairs the Topic Advisory Group (TAG) for Ophthalmology of the WHO and the ICO to prepare the vision chapter for ICD-11. ICD-11 will be a major revision of the ICD system to make it more compatible with modern data processing concepts. His specific interest is in extending the vision chapter beyond the classification of disease conditions, by emphasizing the classification of visual functioning.
Dimensions of Visual Performance. Introduction to the changes in ICD-9 (1976). PDF
Visual Functioning and ICD-11. Introduction to the changes in ICD-11 (2016). PDF
ICO proposal for Vision and Vision-related Functioning (2016) PDF
Characterization of Vision Loss in ICD-11 (2016) PDF
See also: Functional assessment – Guidelines and reports
Get Involved
If you are interested in vision science or want to learn more about low vision and blindness, there are many opportunities to get involved at The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research CenterThe Center's research goal is to develop and apply new scientific knowledge and practical, cost-effective devices to better understand and address the real-world problems of blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind...