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


Friday, August 24, 2012

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.
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