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


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

"I love my telescopic glasses"

Jacob Wayman
Jacob is a young man who's had reduced vision since he was 16 years old. That's when he was diagnosed with dominant optic atrophy. Dominant optic atrophy is a condition which causes degeneration of the optic nerves resulting in a gradual vision loss. Jacob came to me realizing that his vision was declining and that he might soon lose his driver's permit. He wanted to continue driving and had heard that I often prescribe telescopic glasses for driving. The DMV has special requirements to obtain a license for driving with the special bioptic telescopic glasses. Jacob was hoping that I would be able to prescribe glasses for him so he'd be able to meet those requirements. The Virginia DMV requires that a person be able to see at least 20/200 with their better eye using their regular glasses or no glasses. Jacob saw better than that with his right eye. He has normal peripheral vision which is the second requirement. With a 2.2X bioptic he was able to read 20/70 letters, accomplishing the third requirement. The telescopic glasses that I prescribed for Jacob allow him to meet all the requirements for a bioptic license. I spoke with Jacob today and asked how his first month with the bioptics is going. He loves them. He has been driving his car and his 4 wheeler with them. He told me how much he enjoys driving through the woods on his 4 wheeler now that he can see better. A bonus is that they help him see television. He can sit farther from the TV and enjoys seeing the picture better. Optic atrophy, like many other conditions that damage the eyesight can be a real game changer in someone's life. Luckily in many cases we are able to help people get back to a more normal life by improving their vision. Low vision glasses, like Jacob's bioptics, can make a positive change in the life of someone who is losing their sight. If you are dealing with reduced vision and would like to be able to drive, read, use your computer, watch your children or grandchildren play, give me a call. Just call me toll free at 1 866 321-2030. We can talk over your goals and I'll let you know if I will be able to help you. I do not accept low vision patients without speaking with them by phone first. If I feel that I will be able to make an improvement for you we can schedule an appointment. I do not schedule people who I do not think I will be successful with. Give me a call. The phone consultation is free. I'd love to be able to help you.
#dominantopticatrophy