skip to main |
skip to sidebar
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
"They're expensive but they are worth it."
I overheard two patients talking about their low vision glasses yesterday. One lady said to the other, "They're expensive, but they are worth it". The second lady agreed.
It was interesting to hear the comment because both of the ladies have seen significant benefits from their telescopic glasses. One lady, Laura Cunningham, was about to lose her driving privileges 3 years ago because macular degeneration had blurred her vision. Laura's retinal specialist recommended that she come to me for help. The bioptic telescopic glasses that I prescribed allowed her to obtain a special Virginia driver's permit. She's kept her independence and is able to drive around the small town where she lives. Yesterday she again passed the state's vision requirements and will be able to continue driving. Sometimes maintaining the ability to do the things that are important to us can be expensive. Staying independent is certainly worth it.
The second lady, Phyllis Gibson, has had significant vision problems since infancy. She has lost vision from corneal scaring and glaucoma. She's had corneal transplants and cataract surgery. She has been treated by numerous doctors at some of the most prestigious eye centers on the east coast. Phyllis told me "I've been fighting for my eyesight all of my life". Finally, she consulted a different ophthalmologist who looked beyond treating the eye diseases and recommended that she see me. The doctor hoped her life could be improved if low vision glasses helped her see better.
You can see Phyllis in the photo to the right wearing the telescopic glasses that I prescribed. With them she is able to read a standard size book, see TV better and see well for painting pictures. She is an artist. She has had to give up painting and is looking forward to getting back to it. Phyllis is the lady who I quoted. "They're expensive, but they are worth it." It is easy to see why she feels that way.
I appreciate these two patients and the doctors who referred them to me. Many people who have been told that nothing can be done to help them see better would benefit from low vision glasses. Ask your doctor if you might benefit. I'd be happy to speak with you on the phone. Call me for a free telephone consultation. 1 866-321-2030 More info at www.VirginiaLowVision.com
