"Magnification? How much do I need? What's best for me?"

   I always ask my low vision patients to bring their glasses and magnifiers with them to the low vision evaluation.  I want to see what they have been using and how much it helps them.  What I have learned is that there are a lot of poor quality magnifiers out there and the average person has no way of telling the good from the bad.  Usually, they arrive with magnifiers that they bought at the drug store or some big box store and the lens is very poor quality.  Often the magnification is not nearly enough to help the person.  Sometimes they have way too much magnification.  No wonder they don't get the help they need from the magnifiers.
   Recently a man came for his low vision evaluation who had a brand new electronic magnifier.  He'd bought it on line for $200.  He had not even tried it yet.  It was brand new.  Electronic magnification seemed appropriate for him so I showed him a device that I have found to be the best choice for many of my patients.  It has a bigger screen, clearer picture and more features than his on line purchase.  He immediately saw the difference and purchased the one that I recommended.  He planned to give the on line magnifier to a friend because now he has one that suited his needs better.
   I tell this story to illustrate the importance of being evaluated by a low vision optometrist.  Let someone who understands the various types of magnification and what is appropriate for your problem help you.  When you have a vision loss from macular degeneration or some other eye disease you need the best help that you can get.  Ordering on line or buying a magnifier at the store is taking a shot in the dark.  Your chance of getting what will serve you best is very slight. Give me a call for a free telephone consultation.  I will tell you if I can help you and when I've evaluated your vision I will recommend what is best for your needs.  Call me toll free 1 866 321-2030.  For more information go to www.VirginiaLowVision.com