About Low Vision

There are many people who have a vision loss that is not correctable with typical eyeglasses or contact lenses. They've lost some vision and are unable to see well enough to participate in activities that are important to them. We say that these people have low vision. Eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt's disease and glaucoma, among others, are common causes of low vision.
For many years there have been optometrists who help low vision patients see better so they can return to a more normal life. Special telescopic or microscopic glasses are often prescribed which help the person return to reading, driving, using a computer, participating in hobbies or crafts. Some people are able to return to work.
Most of these people have been told by their eye doctors that nothing can be done to help them. It is true that there is no cure for these diseases and the vision will not return to normal. The job of the low vision optometrist is to evaluate the person's remaining vision and prescribe appropriate glasses or other devices which magnify what is seen, making it easier to see.

Free Telephone Consultation
My practice is totally dedicated to helping low vision patients. That is all that I do. I always speak with patients before scheduling a low vision evaluation. That helps me understand how much remaining vision they have and what their goals are. I also answer questions and give the person an idea of what to expect from the evaluation and from the special glasses. I only schedule people who I can help.
Call me for a free telephone consultation. I will be happy to speak with you and I will tell you if I can help you see better. Call toll free 1 866 321-2030
I see low vision patients in offices in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg and Wytheville, VA.

More information at VirginiaLowVision.com and facebook.com/VirginiaLowVisionOptometrist


Monday, May 5, 2014

"You've opened my eyes to the world." says an Optic Atrophy patient.

Mack Farmer suffered a vision loss from optic atrophy when he was a child.  Over the years he has been seen in some of the best known eye centers on the east coast.  He retained enough vision that he was able to drive but in late 2012 was unable to pass the DMV's vision requirements.  The Southwest Virginian lost his driver's license.

Mr. Farmer came to Dr. Armstrong asking for help so he could get back to driving.  Dr. Armstrong prescribed spectacle miniature telescopes, also known as bioptic telescopic lenses. 
On the day that Mack picked up the telescopic glasses he told Dr. Armstrong "It's nothing short of a miracle.  I've been dealing with this ( the optic atrophy) for 52 years.  This is the first time in 52 years that I can see things across the street.  Thank you, you've opened my eyes to the world."

I spoke with Mr. Farmer two months after he received the telescopic glasses.  He told me that they were working well for driving.  They especially help when he is pulling out in traffic and watching traffic signals.  "I can see farther." 

Thanks to his new spectacle miniature telescopic glasses Mr. Farmer is qualified to drive with a special Virginia license requiring the use of the telescopic glasses.

Many states offer special driver's licenses to people with reduced vision.  The requirements vary from state to state.  If you are wondering what your state's requirements are call Dr. Armstrong.  I will be happy to speak with you and can give you the vision requirements for your state.  Call 866 321-2030
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