"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.