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


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

A Stargardt's patient told me "I Never Thought That Anything Would Help Me See Better"

A nice 30 year old lady came to see me in my Harrisonburg office.  She had suffered from Stargardt's Disease since age 9.  Her optometrist referred her hoping that I'd be able to help.  Her visual acuity was 20/240 in both eyes.  She is legally blind.  Although telescopic and microscopic glasses did not make any improvement I did prescribe a portable electronic magnifier.  She continues to use it and is able to read her checks, recipes, measurements and reading in general.

I notified her later when E Scoop glasses became available.  They have helped several of my patients and she came for a trial.  At the trial she was able to see my eyes from about 10 feet.  She could see details in the houses across the street from the office and was able to see signs 100 feet away better.

When she returned to pick up the E Scoop glasses she said "This is great.  I never thought that anything would help me see better".

If you'd like to speak with me about your vision problem please call me at 1 866 321-2030.  There is no charge for the call or for the telephone consultation.  I will ask you a few questions and tell you if low vision glasses will help you.  I understand low vision and would like to help you.  I look forward to talking with you.