Bioptic Glasses and Driving

When I talk with people who have experienced a vision loss from eye disease I always ask what they would like to be able to do if I am able to help them. A large number would like to return to driving. Some have given up driving voluntarily and others have been unable to meet the requirements of the DMV and have lost their license. In either case they have lost their independence. They are now dependant on others to help them do the simplest of things, like a trip to the grocery store or post office or church.

Let me explain a bit about driving with low vision glasses. Bioptic telescopic glasses have small telescopes imbedded in the upper part of the regular lens. The person's eyeglass prescription is in the telescope as well as the regular lens. The telescope is used to spot things that need to be seen better like traffic signals, signs, other cars, people, etc. The person just lowers their chin a little, takes a quick look through the telescope and then goes back to driving with the main lens of the glasses, called the carrier lens. You will see examples of my patients wearing bioptic telescopes as I begin to post actual patient experiences and photos.

The laws are different in each state regarding driving with bioptic telescopes. Some allow persons to be licensed to drive with these special glasses and some states do not. All states will allow you to drive with the telescopic glasses if you already have a valid license. If you are wondering about your state's regulations you can check with the DMV or call me toll free and I'll tell you what your state allows and we can talk about whether you are likely to be able to meet the requirements. Call me at 1 866 321-2030. There is no charge for the call or the consultation.

My state, Virginia, is one of the states that issues a special driver's license for persons requiring bioptic telescopic glasses. Our DMV requires at least 20/200 in the better eye with the normal eyeglass lenses and improved to 20/70 with the bioptic. There is also a requirement of 150 degrees of peripheral vision (visual field). Once the person obtains the bioptic glasses they must use them daily for 2 months and then return to the low vision doctor for certification that they meet the above requirements.

If you think that you might require this type of license do not wait until the last minute. Call for an appointment 4 or 5 months in advance. That will allow time to have the low vision evaluation, receive the glasses and use them for the required 2 months before your license expires.

Many people have returned to safe driving by using bioptic telescopic glasses. Perhaps you could become one of them.  For more information about help for low vision go to www.VirginiaLowVision.com

Driving With Stargardt's Disease

A patient with Stargardt's Disease returned to me after using his bioptic telescopic glasses for over 5 years.  Blake White was able to obtain his drivers permit when he got the telescopic glasses.  He has been driving safely with them.  Blake returned for re evaluation as required by the DMV.  Blake and I were both pleased to find that heis still eligible to drive while wearing the special glasses.

Blake told me an interesting story.  He has been seen by another low vision doctor who is a state examiner in West Virginia.  That doctor prescribed a very small telescope, for his right eye only even though Blake's vision is almost equal in both eyes.  Blake has been unable to wear them and prefers the wide angle telescopes that I prescribed.  He misses the left telescope and also the wide view of the pair that I prescribed.  He drives a lot and only uses the wide angle pair.

Years ago when I was a state examiner here in Virginia I realized that the devices available through the state were not always best for the patient.  I gave up serving as a low vision examiner for the State of Virginia years ago.  Since then I am able to prescribe what is most helpful for the patient, not just what the state will pay for.

Here is the point.  If you have had a low vision evaluation and are not happy with the devices prescribed it may be helpful to see another doctor.  Someone with a different perspective. A doctor who is not limited by the state may be able to help you.  I invite you to give me a call.  Let's talk it over.  I will tell you on the phone if I will be able to help you.  Call me toll free at 866 321-2030 For more information on help for low vision go to www.VirginiaLowVision.com #stargardtsdisease#bioptictelescopes

Bioptic Driving Video

   All of my patients have reduced vision.  When I ask what activities they most want me to help with the top two are reading and driving.  Because I screen patients by phone before scheduling them I am usually able to help them achieve their goals.

   Most states allow people with low vision to drive while wearing bioptic telescopic glasses.  The states issue a special license to these people.  I thought that it would be interesting for people to see how someone drives with bioptics and to actually have a chance to look through them.  So I have posted a selfie video on my website.  The video shows me driving while wearing bioptic glasses.  As I drive along I explain them and discuss the requirements for obtaining a permit in Virginia.  Finally I park and give the viewer an opportunity to look through the glasses and see what I am seeing.
   If you'd like to learn about bioptic driving take a look at the video.  I hope you find it interesting.  Just click on this link to get to the video.  www.VirginiaLowVision.com #biopticdriving #bioptictelescopes

New Bioptic Telescopic Glasses Help Long Time Low Vision Patient

Ben Webb came to me seeking help with his vision. He had suffered retinal detachments in both eyes as a result of a childhood accident. Ben had been using bioptic telescopic glasses for a number of years and was hoping that newer technology would give him improved vision compared to his present bioptics. There is no usable vision in Ben's right eye and even the left eye has a significant vision loss. After a thorough low vision evaluation I prescribed a 2.2X wide angle bioptic telescope for Ben's left eye.
On the day that he received the glasses Ben and I went outdoors so he could see how they were going to help. He told me "Everything looks clear. This is going to help."
Several weeks later Ben wrote:
"Dear Dr. Armstrong,
The glasses that I received from you are absolutely amazing. I can see so much more and read things like signs on the Interstate.
Thank you very much for helping me get more sight back.
Ben Webb"
Ben has worn the low vision telescopic glasses on a 14 hour trip from his home in Southwest Virginia to New England and reports that he is seeing well. He has never seen well enough to drive but says "I can see to do anything that I want to except for driving. These glasses are definitely worth the money."
As I do with all of my low vision patients, I spoke with Ben on the phone before scheduling his appointment. From the phone interview I was sure that I would be able to help him. I do not schedule low vision evaluations for persons who I do not feel that I can help.#biopticglasses

Macular Degeneration. Legally Blind? Maybe, Maybe Not

A few days ago I saw two patients who had recently been told by their retinal specialists that they were legally blind and must stop driving.  The first patient, a West Virginian, received a letter from the retinal specialist stating that his best vision with glasses was right eye 20/400 and left eye 20/300.  That meets the definition of legal blindness.  The patient's children asked him to quit driving although his wife, who often rode with him, had not noticed that he was having any problems driving.  When he came to me for help his visual acuity  was 20/120 in the better eye with his glasses.  That's not legally blind but still not good enough to drive.

After a thorough low vision evaluation I prescribed spectacle miniature (bioptic) telescopic glasses.  With them he sees 20/50 with his better eye.  That will allow him to obtain a special license to drive in West Virginia while wearing the telescopic glasses.

This man was quite aggravated that the previous doctor had not actually checked his vision himself.  He relied on a staff person to do that.

The other patient is a young Virginian who suffers from Stargardt's disease.  Her vision without any lenses is 20/120 with each eye.  Definitely not legally blind.  Wearing the telescopic glasses that I prescribed, her vision improves to better than 20/60 with each eye.  She will be able to drive in Virginia with a special permit requiring her to wear the telescopic glasses.

In a busy ophthalmolgy office patients are often turned over to staff members to do some of the basic testing.  Especially with someone who has reduced vision from eye disease, that may not be the best thing for the patient.  Both of these people had been told by the doctor, as a result of the technician's testing, that they must give up driving.  In both cases, careful testing revealed much better vision than they had been told. 

If you've been told that you should not drive because of your vision it may be a good idea to consult a low vision optometrist who will take the time to carefully evaluate and prescribe appropriate help.  Of course, there are times when people must give up driving for safety reasons and I respect their decision to do that.  Giving up driving is not an easy thing to do. Give me a call for a free telephone consultation. I will tell you if low vision glasses will help you get back to activities that you have had to give up. Call me toll free 1 866 321-2030 #stargardtsdisease #biopticdriving

"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.

#stargardtsdisease

Driving With Low Vision

Many people with low vision can continue driving by using special bioptic telescopic glasses.  The link below takes you to a new video from The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists.  Take a look at it and you will have a better understanding of how bioptics work and how they help for driving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yroVjFsOmo 

"It is amazing, I can’t believe it. I really enjoy them.”

Jarrod Church has had reduced vision since he was an infant. The Southwest Virginia native has been seen by several eye doctors and by the Virginia Department of the Blind and Vision Impaired. He has used a closed circuit reading machine but wanted to be able to read better, use his computer as well as watch sports and television. Jarrod came to me requesting help with those activities. I carefully evaluated Jarrod's vision and prescribed telescopic glasses adapted for reading and computer use and bioptic telescopic glasses to help Jarrod see better at a distance. He uses the second pair for television and to watch sports.

A few months after getting the low vision glasses Jarrod wrote, “After Dr. Armstrong got me the bioptic telescopes; I’ve seen things that I’ve never seen before. I went to Cincinnati to see the Reds play the Dodgers. I‘ve never been to a ball game before. With my bioptic telescopes I could actually see the baseball! I couldn’t believe that I saw every pitch thrown. It is amazing, I can’t believe it. I really enjoy them.”

With the computer telescopic glasses Jarrod says that he can see everything on the screen. He also uses them for reading and has read lots of books with them.

Jarrod finished his note “I just want to say THANK YOU Dr. Armstrong! My only regret is that I didn’t know about your great work sooner.”#biopticglasses

These New Glasses Give Me a Little Bit of Freedom

Four years ago, Clyde Sarver, woke up and discovered that he had suffered a severe vision loss in his left eye. The New Castle man had experienced a broken blood vessel in that eye. Soon after that Mr. Sarver began to notice that his vision in the right eye was becoming blurred. He was then diagnosed with macular degeneration. Although he is receiving treatment from his retinal specialist, his blurred vision continues to bother him.


Recently the 77 year old man visited Dr. David L. Armstrong, a Roanoke, VA optometrist, who often helps patients whose vision has been damaged by disease or injury. Dr Armstrong is one of a few optometrists nationally who care for patients with low vision.

Dr. Armstrong prescribed three different types of low vision glasses for Mr. Sarver, each for a different purpose. For driving and other distance vision, bioptic telescopic glasses were prescribed. Clear Image microscopic glasses were prescribed to help with reading. Mr. Sarver states that with them he is able to read as well as he did when he was a much younger man. A new type of glasses, called E-Scoop are for general use. Developed in The Netherlands, the E-Scoops magnify, improve contrast and divert the image away from the damaged macula. Mr. Sarver told Dr. Armstrong that he really likes that pair and takes them everywhere.

Although people with low vision cannot be helped with conventional eyeglasses, low vision optometrists are often able to prescribe special glasses, like Mr. Sarver’s, which help. There is no cure for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt’s Disease and other sight damaging diseases but appropriately prescribed low vision glasses often improve a person’s quality of life.

With his special new glasses Clyde Sarver is able to enjoy watching University of Virginia games on television, play solitaire on his computer and see better for outdoor activities. Now that he can see the print better he is getting back to reading. Being able to read has helped him maintain his interests. “I like to read absolutely everything that’s printed and now I can.”

Before getting his new low vision glasses, Mr. Sarver says “I plodded along, and tried to use magnifying glasses, but none worked well. These new glasses give me a little bit of freedom. I can go to town if I want.”

Dr. Armstrong always speaks with low vision patients by phone to determine if he can help them before scheduling an appointment. Call 866 321-2030 for a free telephone consultation with Dr. Armstrong

Dr. Armstrong Named to Implantable Miniature Telescope Team

VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies has named Dr. David L. Armstrong to it's CentraSight Provider Team for the State of Virginia.  Dr. Armstrong brings years of experience, helping patients with vision loss, to this new position.  He has practiced low vision optometry in Virginia for many years.  Dr. Armstrong has helped many patients with reduced vision caused by macular degeneration and other eye diseases return to activities that they had given up due to their poor vision.

The CentraSight Provider Team evaluates and treats patients with end stage macular degeneration using the new implantable miniature telescope (IMT).  Dr. Armstrong sees each patient before they are sent to the surgeon.  His responsibilities include: determining the level of vision loss, assessing the patient's potential for success with the IMT, determining the proper eye for surgery and the power of the IMT to be implanted.  Dr. Armstrong will demonstrate how the patient will benefit from the device by using external telescopic lenses.  Once the patient has been shown to be an appropriate candidate for the IMT Dr. Armstrong will refer them to the surgeon.  Following the outpatient surgical procedure, patients will return to Dr. Armstrong for post-op vision evaluation and the prescribing of appropriate glasses or other low vision aids if needed.

An occupational therapist helps the patient adapt to the new device following the surgery. 

Because of his experience prescribing spectacle miniature telescopes (SMT) also known as bioptic telescopes and other types of low vision glasses Dr. Armstrong has the knowledge and skills for his responsibilities on the CentraSight Provider Team.   Dr. Armstrong sees low vision patients from offices across Virginia in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg and Wytheville.

You may call him toll free at 1 866-321-2030 for a free telephone consultation.  By questioning you on the telephone he will be able to tell you if you will benefit from the new IMT or the SMT.

Letter From A Patient

"I wanted to say thank you for my new bioptic lenses and to let you know how much they are helping me.  Because of your help, I am able to drive and remain independent, which are both huge blessings.  The lenses allow me to read street signs while I drive and have also been incredibly helpful when I am in seminars or watching sporting events.  As a high school math teacher, I attend meetings regularly and it is wonderful to be able to read the screen during a presentation.  I was never really able to read a screen or board during classes in high school or college.  My wife and I also love to go to football games and I watch her coach softball on a regular basis, so having the lenses has made these games so much more enjoyable. 

I really cannot express how thankful I am or how big a blessing these lenses have been.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Most sincerely,

Travis Hardin

Stargardt's Patient Helped

Travis Hardin was referred to me by his optometrist.  Travis is a high school math teacher who has  Stargardt's Disease His vision is gradually getting worse.  With his present contact lenses he is no longer able to meet the requirements for a driver's permit in Virginia.  Travis and his optometrist were hoping that I could prescribe telescopic glasses which would keep him driving.  With his contact lenses Travis' best vision is 20/100 with each eye.  As a result of the low vision evaluation I to prescribed bioptic telescopic glasses that help him see 20/40 with each eye.  With the bioptic glasses Travis will meet the Virginia requirements for a special driver's permit.  He will be able to continue driving.

The Virginia DMV  issues the special permit if the person has at least 20/200 with the better eye with their glasses or contact lenses and can achieve 20/70 with one eye by using telescopic glasses.  There is also a reqiurement of normal peripheral (side) vision.

If you have lost your permit or are afraid that you will not be able to pass the vision test at the DMV give me a call.  You may be able to continue driving by using bioptic telescopic glasses.

Football in July

Steve Black received his bioptic telescopic glasses a few days ago.  He suffered a vision loss following surgery in July of 2011.  Steve came to me asking for help with viewing TV, computer, recognizing people's faces and looking at photographs. I prescribed telescopic glasses to help him watch TV and when using his computer.  Steve is a big Virginia Tech football fan.  His wife, Deb, has taped several Tech games from the 2011 season and Steve planned to go home and watch some football.

I called Steve this morning to check on his progress with the special telescopic glasses.  He is very pleased with them and has used them to watch TV lots.  Steve told me about watching the Hokies beat Miami and how much better he was able to see and follow the action compared to watching the game last October before he had the bioptic glasses.  He is proud of his Hokies.  They won 38 to 35.

Steve Black is a good example of how people with vision loss can be helped by the use of telescopic glasses.  By doing a thorough low vision evaluation an optometrist who is experienced in helping people with a vision loss can often prescribe glasses that magnify what is seen, making things easier to see.  The vision loss cannot be corrected or made to go away but appropriate low vision glasses can help make it easier to live with. 

The first step is to give me a call and we will discuss your problem.  I will ask you some questions by phone and tell you if I can help.  We will schedule a low vision evaluation only if I honestly feel that I can improve things for you.  Call me toll free at 866 321-2030.

"I highly recommend Dr. David Armstrong

Patients often write to let me know of their experiences with low vision and their successes with the special telescopic or microscopic glasses that I prescribed for them.  Excerpts from one such letter follows:

"For years, I have struggled with low vision.  I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration and have been seen by four different eye specialists over the last few years.  I have even undergone surgery to regain my sight. 

Nothing worked and I was very distraught about the situation.  My family showed me Dr. Armstrong's advertisement and I made an appointment.

Dr. Armstrong is a kind, caring person.  His winning personality and positive words of encouragement gave me hope.  With Dr. Armstrong's help, I can now read for periods of time and was able to maintain my license to drive with the aid of bioptic telescopic glasses.

I highly recommend Dr. David Armstrong.  He helped me regain a part of my life."

Sincerely,

Helen Pullen

Virginia

"I'm thrilled"

Recently a gentleman returned to receive his low vision glasses that I'd prescribed a few weeks before following a thorough low vision evaluation.  He is a builder and cabinet maker in Baltimore, MD and suffers a vision loss from macular degeneration.  He had requested help with reading, especially blueprints, and also watching TV and driving.  He has been seen regularly for his macular degeneration at Johns Hopkins and at a large retinal pactice in Washington, D.C.  Neither had referred him to a low vision specialist.  He found me through my newspaper ad.

To help him with reading I prescribed glasses which included a telebinocular.  the telebinocular is a small telescope built into the lower part of the eyeglass lens, angled down and focused for reading.  He brought blueprints to his evaluation and was able to read them easily with the telebinocular glasses.  Yestereday I handed him USA Today.  He was able to easily read the regular print and also print less than half that size.
 
Next I dispensed his bioptic driving glasses.  They have small telescopes near the top of the lenses that magnify 2.2 times.  He looked down the hallway at a framed picture about 35 feet away and said "With my regular prescription that is just a blur.  When I look with the telescopes it is much easier to see.  I can see detail in the picture".

The final pair, set to focus at 9 feet will help him watch TV.  They include wide angle  bioptic telescopes.  He was able to see much better at the 9 foot distance of his TV.

As he was about to leave for home I asked him how he felt about the new low vision glasses.  He said, "I am thrilled.  I have been really excited waiting to get the glasses and I am just thrilled at the way they help me see.  It is a shame that it is so hard for people to find help from a doctor like you.  It must be really satisfying helping people with poor vision."

I am writing about this man's experience because it illustrates several things:
1. Even though people with vision loss have been cared for by the best doctors they are rarely referred to a low vision doctor who may be able to help them.
2. With a proper evaluation low vision glasses can often be prescribed to help the person return to activities that they have had trouble with or have given up.
3. Low vision glasses are prescribed for very specific purposes.  It may require more than one pair to meet the person's goals.

In answer to my patient's question, "Yes, it is very satisfying to help people see better".  Especially those with severe vision problems who have been told by other doctors that nothing will help them.  I would like to help you.  If you suffer from vision loss from macular degeneration, diabetes, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt's disease, stroke or some other cause give me a call.  I will be happy to speak with you at no charge and I will be honest with you.  If I feel that I can help we will schedule an evaluation.  If I don't think I can help you I won't make you an appointment.  I don't want to take people's time and money and then disappoint them.  By asking the right questions on the phone I am able to help over 90% of the low vision patients who I see.  Call me toll free at 866 321-2030 for a free phone consultation.

"Dr. Armstrong, you have washed the world. It is clean and bright."

Linda Schaaf suffers from low vision caused by myopic degeneration. She has a high amount of nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Even with her glasses, the Illinois college professor, sees only 20/120 with her better eye. The other is much worse.

Professor Schaaf came to me asking for help correcting student assignments, reading the newspaper and books, using her computer and recognizing faces. I evaluated her vision using microscopic lenses, telescopic lenses and telemicroscopic lenses. The best solution proved to be a pair of bioptic telescopic glasses for distance and telemicroscopic glasses for reading and computer use.

Professor Schaaf has found many benefits from her low vision glasses. When I talked with her a month after she received them she told me "I am thrilled to death. I can see my students faces now. People on TV have faces. I can sit in the back of the church and see the priest's face. I can see the traffic lights better and see the colors. It takes me less time to correct my student's papers. I am able to use the computer without enlarging the font. Dr. Armstrong, you have washed the world. It is clean and bright."

A low vision evaluation is very different from the usual eye examination. Different testing methods are used, different types of lenses are considered and the goals of the patient must always be considered.

Many people, like Professor Schaaf, can benefit from low vision glasses. If you have low vision, regardless of the cause, and even if you have been told by your doctor that nothing can be done, there may be help available for you. Give me a call and I'll discuss your situation with you. I'll tell you if I think that I can help you and we can schedule an appointment for you. If I don't think that I can help I will be honest with you. I do not make appointments for those who I do not feel that I'll be able to help. Call me at 1 866 321-2030. There is no charge for the call or the telephone consultation.

Technological Advances Benefit People With Low Vision, USA Today

The following summarizes two interesting articles from USA Today.


USA Today (9/12, Healy) reports, "Low vision is not a direct result of aging," explained Dawn Kissner DeCarlo, OD, MS, FAAO, "chair of the American Optometric Association Vision Rehabilitation section and director of the University of Alabama Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation," but "usually 'results from eye injuries, birth defects, macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, poorly controlled diabetes and other eye and health conditions.'" The article details technological advances that make it possible for people with low vision to live as normal a life as possible. "Given Baby Boomers' higher risk for age-related eye disorders and a dramatic nationwide increase in type 2 diabetes, the National Eye Institute estimates that vision disorders will double in 30 years."

"Bioptics" Help People With Low Vision Drive. In a related story, USA Today (9/12, Healy) reports that "independence and mobility of driving is a real option for some with vision impairments, thanks to 'bioptic driving.'" Bioptics "are small telescopes mounted into ophthalmic corrective lenses above a person's line of sight that improve the sharpness of far vision." According to optometrist Laura Windsor of the Low Vision Centers of Indiana, "those eligible for bioptic driving typically have 'mild to moderate vision loss that is stable,' along with 'pretty near-perfect' peripheral vision."

An Interesting Patient With Diabetic Retinopathy

This week a patient with a vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy came to me for help. She had completely lost the vision of one eye and the vision in the other was damaged also. She was having problems with both her distance and near vision. There were several very different tasks that she wanted help with. The solutions to these problems illustrate some of the many ways that low vision patients can be helped.

Her vision goals and the solutions that I recommended to her are listed below:

1. She has trouble reading signs when driving. I prescribed a bioptic telescopic lens for her better eye which resulted in her reading 20/25 letters. When we took the testing lens outdoors she was able to read distant signs much better.

2. She has trouble using her computer. It is blurred and hazy. I prescribed a convex lens cap for the bioptic lens to make the driving telescope focus at the computer screen. An amber tint in that lens improved contrast on the screen making it much easier for her to see.

3. She wanted to be able to read, use her checkbook, etc and previous strong reading glasses focused too close to her face. She wanted to hold her books at a more normal distance. I prescribed a telemicroscope that focused at 16 inches from her face allowing her to hold her book in her lap and read easily.

4. She wanted to be able to read her insulin pump and glucose meter. Both of them had small screens with black letters and numbers on a gray background. Not very much contrast and very difficult for her to read. I prescribed a hand magnifier with an LED light and she had no trouble reading those small screens.

There are many ways that people with low vision can be helped to see better. Often they have several different requirements like this lady had. A low vision doctor with a thorough knowledge of the various devices available can often make life much easier and more enjoyable for them.

If you have low vision and some specific tasks that you'd like help with give me a call. I'll talk it over with you and tell you if I will be able to help. Call me toll free 866 321-2030 for a free phone consultation.