Dr. David Armstrong, Low Vision Optometrist, is dedicated to helping persons with macular degeneration and other eye diseases remain independent by prescribing microscopic and telescopic glasses for reading,driving and other activities. Dr. Armstrong is online at VirginiaLowVision.com.
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.
Kelly Henley returned to see me last week to be recertified for driving with bioptic telescopic glasses. In 1996 Kelly was told that he had to give up driving. His vision was getting worse and he was no longer able to meet the Virginia DMV vision requirements. He'd been diagnosed years before with juvenile macular degeneration (Stargardt's disease).
Kelly Henley
It was not until the spring of 2013 that Kelly learned that he might be able to obtain a special driver's permit allowing him to drive while wearing bioptic glasses. His optometrist referred him to me for a low vision evaluation and I prescribed the bioptics. After using them for a couple months he applied for a learner's permit and then the special license. The DMV examiner was pleased with Kelly's driving during a road test and he was granted the license. At his visit last week I heard how well he is doing driving with the glasses and how happy he is to be back on the road. He and his wife recently took a vacation trip to the Smokey Mountains and Kelly drive the entire way, at least 400 miles. Kelly Henley is a great example of how someone with a vision loss can return to normal activities by using low vision glasses. He's gotten his independence back. He's happy and I am happy to have been able to help him. If you have a vision loss from Stargardt's or some other cause you owe it to yourself to investigate low vision glasses. Give me a call. I will be happy to discuss your vision and your goals. I'll tell you if I can help. There is no charge for the call or the telephone consultation. Call me at 866 321-2030
Dr. Armstrong has practiced optometry in Virginia for over 35 years. He serves low vision patients from offices in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg and Wytheville,Virginia. Dr. Armstrong's experience includes serving as an optometry officer in the U.S. Army, member of the medical staff at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salem, VA, consulting optometrist for the Virginia Department of Corrections in addition to his private optometry practice. He is a member of the Virginia Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association and the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists.
For more information visit www.VirginiaLowVision.com
Low vision glasses are prescribed to meet the needs of each person so the costs vary. Usually low vision glasses for reading cost about $850. Telescopic glasses for driving or distance vision cost around $2000. Medicare, supplemental and other insurances may pay part of the low vision evaluation but not the low vision glasses.
