Expectations From Low Vision Specialist at Low Vision Clinic

When you have been diagnosed with a vision problem, it is a difficult situation to deal with. One of the most important things that you can do is find a low vision specialist, and visit a low vision clinic as soon as possible. This is because if you have a problem with your eyesight, this can be extremely frustrating. You will not be able to see as much as you would like to, and as such, it can be very impactful on your life.

Low Vision

Low vision is a type of eye disorder that doesn’t respond to common methods of correcting sights, such as prescription glasses or surgery. Low-vision patients usually experience a loss of peripheral vision, difficulty in perceiving light, an inability to see color, and a general loss of contrast. Low vision is different for each person. It can occur as the result of a birth defect, injury, or complication from disease.

You may have low vision if you have problems with:

• Reading
• Driving
• Recognizing people’s faces
• Separating colors
• Seeing your TV or computer screen
• Types of low vision

There are many types of low vision. Common ones are:

• Central vision loss
• Peripheral vision loss
• Night blindness
• Blurry or hazy vision

Low Vision Specialist

Low vision specialists are doctors who specialize in examining and managing patients with visual impairments. They’re usually optometrists, but some of them may also be ophthalmologists with low vision training. Their services will not cure the causes of low vision, but they can help the patient learn to do as much as they can with what vision they have left. Low vision care is not a replacement for other treatments. These other treatments include laser, medication, and surgery.

Testing at a low vision clinic

Low vision testing is a process that goes far beyond a regular eye examination. It assesses a person’s vision, explores how increasing an image size affects the retina, and takes note of the effects of decreased vision on a person’s lifestyle. The end result is a plan to meet their needs and achieve their goals.

A low vision exam generally lasts about two hours and is covered by Medicare for qualifying individuals. The exam usually consists of:

• Doctors ask a lot of questions and do a lot of testing. They want to know about your hobbies and what you do for a living. Your education and health history. The details of how your daily life affects your health. Plus, they want to know your future goals — like whether you’re planning any big changes in the near future. All this helps doctors figure out what’s going on with your vision and how best to treat you.
• Checking vision to make sure it is accurate, as well as observing if they are able to focus peripherally. This is particularly useful for macular degeneration patients.
• When a patient is developing low vision, it can be difficult to know which devices will work best. There are three common types of visual aids: magnifiers, closed-circuit televisions, and independent living aids. It is important that the patient learn how to use these tools effectively. This training will help to maximize their remaining vision.
• Some people might need to make some adjustments to their home and work environment. These changes can include getting special eyeglasses, installing adaptive equipment, or arranging a home visit.
• Discussion of what types of glasses to get, what they do, whether they cut glare, and how they help with brightness.
• Discussion of how to set up adaptive equipment, where to find it, and who can help you.

Visiting a low vision specialist is a step in the right direction for people with visual impairments. There are many specialists they can see to help them lead a full life. A low vision specialist will give them the necessary tools to live independently, such as mobility and orientation specialists, rehabilitation teachers, and occupational therapists. This team of professionals will work together to help the individual with their needs.

Extra tips

For those with low vision, there are ways to keep doing what you love. You can make small changes like:

• Brightening up your home or office with lights
• Wearing anti-glare glasses for clear vision
• Using a magnification lens to read an up-close activity.

The world is full of things that make it easier for people with low vision to do everyday tasks. These include:

• Text reading software, which reads texts aloud.
• Talking watches and clocks, which speak the time.
• High contrast clocks and watches, which are easy to see even in low light.
• Large print publications, like newspapers.
• Clocks, phones, and watches with enlarged numbers.