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


Sunday, November 3, 2013

"I wish I'd known about you and these glasses 15 years ago."

Kelly Henley was diagnosed with juvenile macular degeneration (also known as Stargardt's Disease) when he was in grade school. Over the years his vision gradually declined until he was no longer able to drive. Without driving he was unable to work and had to retire early. He had been told by his eye doctor that there was no help for him. He eventually changed to a different optometrist who referred him to me for low vision help. When Kelly came to me his number one goal was to get back to driving. Additionally, he wanted to be able to recognize his friend's faces and read better. He's a sports fan and wanted to see the action better when he goes to games. Kelly's vision is not good enough to obtain a regular, unrestricted driver's permit in Virginia. With the help of the bioptic telescopic glasses that I prescribed for him he easily passed the vision requirements for a daylight license requiring that he wear the bipotics. In addition to the bioptics I also prescribed telemicroscopic glasses, a special telescope allowing both eyes to focus at about 12" from his face. Kelly is using them for reading, including studying the DMV manual. He's preparing to take the written and driving tests and get his license back. If you have had experiences like Kelly Henley and want help with your vision please give me a call. I will be happy to discuss your vision and your goals. I'll tell you if I can help you. I'd like to help you get back to reading, driving and other activities that are difficult for you. Call me toll free 866-321-2030.
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