If a patient is unable to communicate but can follow objects with their eyes, how should their vision status be recorded?

The vision status of a patient who is unable to communicate but can follow objects with their eyes would be best represented as highly impaired. In the OASIS-E assessment, the scale for vision status ranges from adequate vision to highly impaired, with specific designations based on the patient's ability to see, communicate regarding their vision, and interact visually with their environment.

In this scenario, although the patient can follow objects with their eyes, the inability to communicate indicates a significant limitation in the functional use of vision. This suggests that while they might have some perceptual ability, their overall vision status is compromised to the point that it affects their interaction and participation in daily activities, warranting the classification as highly impaired.

This classification reflects a more nuanced understanding of the patient's condition, accounting for the impact of their communication challenges on the perception of their visual capabilities.