If you are an optometrist, you are probably familiar with the topics of low vision and low vision care from Optometry School. You may even see patients regularly that suffer from macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, inoperable cataracts, and other diseases that cause a certain degree of vision loss. An ophthalmologist may offer surgical treatments or medicines that address the symptoms of the underlying pathology, but, in many cases, the treatment ultimately leaves the patient without satisfaction. The patient may still claim that their vision is not what it once was, or that they are still having difficulty seeing and are unable to function as they once did because of poor vision.
People who have vision loss that is not correctable with contacts or traditional eyeglasses, and that cannot be cured by surgical or therapeutic treatment, are commonly referred to as having impaired vision or low vision. Due to the underlying eye disease, these patients may experience central vision loss, peripheral vision loss, and/or diminished contrast sensitivity, among other problems.
What are Low Vision Aids?
Fortunately, there are profitable solutions available to assist patients who have impaired vision (or low vision) so they can remain independent and active. Vision aids (or low vision aids) are tools that are available in a variety of types including: spectacle and clip-on magnifiers; hand-held magnifiers; stand magnifiers; telescopes; absorptive filters; CCTVs or video magnifiers; and many non-optical tools such as lighting and reading stands. These vision aids, through their magnification, defined reduction, or contrast-enhancing features, can help the visually impaired with daily activities such as reading, watching television, or paying bills.
What is Low Vision Care?
Eyecare or rehabilitation professionals who choose to assist their visually impaired patients through an evaluation process, who dispense or recommend vision aids, and who provide training or rehabilitation (among other services) are said to offer Low Vision Care. There are a number of different models for offering Low Vision Care and these vary depending on the number (and type) of practitioners involved, the setting (private practice, hospital, agency, etc.), the range of patients seen (slightly visually impaired to severely visually impaired), and other characteristics.
How do I learn more about Low Vision Care?
To learn more about Low Vision Care, you can contact a number of organizations for assistance: American Optometric Association, your State Optometric Association, the American Academy of Optometry, or even your College of Optometry and ask for information regarding Low Vision Care (click here for the links to major eyecare and rehab organizations). You can also take courses related to Low Vision at numerous professional meetings (click here for upcoming events). In addition, Eschenbach offers a 3-hour continuing education course entitled, "Low Vision Care...What's It All About?", which is offered over 50 times throughout the year in locations throughout the US and Canada (click here for information and dates). Eschenbach representatives can also meet with you in your office to discuss how you can begin offering Low Vision Care in your practice (click here for more information on the Eschenbach Low Vision Program).
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