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


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Why I love helping low vision patients



Helping low vision patients can be challenging but it is also very rewarding. Each person comes with different expectations and hopes. There are activities that are particularly important to them that they'd like help with. Each of them has a different level of remaining vision. In some the two eyes are similarly effected by their problem. In many there is a difference between the eyes. Sometimes the difference is profound. Each patient is different. My challenge, and the reason that I enjoy this work, is to solve the puzzle of what is the best way to help this patient achieve their goal. Any doctor who is serious about helping patients who have lost vision will have many different types of glasses and other devices available for testing and prescription. Each type of glasses can be modified to focus the distance of the task. Sometimes a tint in the lenses can make a big difference. Each patients presents their own challenges and opportunities. Solving the mystery of how to help that particular patient is a challenge that I truly love. I am blessed to be a part of helping people improve their lives.