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.
In early October I prescribed a pair of E-Scoop glasses for a lady with macular degeneration. She had been sent to me by her ophthalmologist in Tennessee and was hoping that I could help her see better. She especially hoped I could improve her vision for driving and reading. A month or so after getting the E-Scoops she called to say that she loves her distance vision with them. She feels much safer driving now. However, some small print is still difficult for her to read. I suggested that she return to me and bring some of the things that she was having trouble seeing with her. I'd do my best to help.
E-Scoop Glasses
When she returned I evaluated her with the new E-Scoop glasses on and discovered that with better light and a little more magnification she was able to read very small print easily. She left with a good, lighted hand magnifier and an OttLite. Yesterday she called to say that she's doing just fine now. The light and the magnifier are just what she needs. I tell this story to encourage people who are not seeing well with their present glasses to return to their doctor. Bring the items that you're having trouble with and ask for more help. There may be an easy solution as in this case. If you've been told that nothing can be done to help your vision that is when you should consult a low vision optometrist. Give me a call. I will be happy to discuss your vision with you and I will tell you if low vision glasses will help. Call 1 866 321-2030. There is more information on my website. www.VirginiaLowVision.com
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.
