Do Again
There is Life After
Vision Loss.

While there are many ways low vision can be defined or described, the practical meaning is:  Low Vision is vision that is not good enough to do what you want to do, and is not correctable with normal glasses or surgery.

Low vision practitioners are more concerned with the tasks that someone wants to do and that they have some usable vision than the specific cause of their limited vision.

That being said, we do see trends in the vision conditions that our patients commonly have.

Some conditions are genetic. Other causes can be congenital or traumatic. Here is a list of common conditions that our patients have:

• Macular Degeneration
• Stargardt Disease
• Glaucoma
• Ocular Albinism
• Retinitis Pigmentosa
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Stroke-Hemianopsia
• Rod Cone Dystrophy

This is not an exhaustive list and there does need to be some usable vision to work with.

Low Vision Doctors are more concerned with the amount of remaining vision, not the cause of the loss itself.

A low vision examination is quite different from a regular eye examination. It is a longer examination usually lasting one hour or more. It is a “vision and function” examination; therefore medical tests such as dilation are usually omitted. The first part of the low vision examination is conversing with the patient to find out how the reduced vision is affecting their life. The “wish list” is created so the doctor understands what the patients’ goals are. The second part is extensive vision testing. Careful refraction is performed to find out if a new “regular” eyeglass prescription will help. Part three works with magnification, illumination and other optical and non-optical low vision devices. The doctor must determine the best form and level of magnification needed for the person to perform the desired tasks. Telescopes, microscopes, and prisms, with varying levels of magnification and strength as well as other magnification devices are presented to the patient. Illumination levels must be determined as lighting plays a major role in vision. 

Low Vision doctors have been trained in the physics, optics and use of high powered lenses and lens systems. They understand the principles of magnification, field of view, depth and of focus. They also have a working knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of the multitude of low vision glasses, magnifiers, electronic and non-optical devices available. A low vision eye doctor understands how to work with patients and families who can be extremely upset, fearful, and even depressed. It’s a doctor who has the patience and time to explain the eye and vision condition and what the future may hold for patients who may be confused, misinformed and/or have an unrealistic view of their future. A low vision eye doctor has compassion and empathy for what the patient and family is going through as well as the knowledge, resources and experience to help them adjust to the difficult situation. Low Vision doctors know how to analyze a task according to the amount of vision, lighting, working distance and field of view needed for completion. They are expert as designing low vision glasses to meet the needs of the patient.

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH have demonstrated with two scientific studies (AREDS I & II) that nutritional supplements can slow down age related macular degeneration (AMD). Numerous other studies, including the Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation trial (LAST), have demonstrated visual improvement in patients taking specific high-dose supplements that include lutein, zeaxanthin and omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil.

The free telephone consultation is a way of limiting the time, expense, and disappointment of people who probably cannot be helped by low vision care. Dr. Palmer has determined that asking the right questions on the phone could determine if a patient is qualified for low vision services. “If not, why put the patient through the time and expense only to be extremely disappointed?” says Dr. Palmer. During the free telephone interview, we will ask questions regarding vision, functional abilities, goals, motivation, health, and mobility to determine if an appointment is in the best interests of the caller.

During the evaluation, the patient will use actual low vision telescope, microscope and prismatic glasses on the tasks desired. The doctor and the patient will see that they work BEFORE they are ordered. This will be done again when the patient picks up the glasses. We never order glasses until the patient knows that they work.

Almost always, prescriptions and magnification levels can be changed without the need for a whole new pair of glasses. If vision changes and affects your function, we would have you see your normal eye doctors to determine what is causing the changes.  If the changes are permanent, we will see you back at no charge to determine if changes to the magnifying devices will get you back functioning better. These changes would be at no charge in the first year.

We accept cash, personal check and all major credit cards. Both the appointment and glasses are covered in most health savings accounts. In addition, we offer no-interest and low interest financing.

An office visit with Dr. Palmer starts with evaluating your vision and the tasks you want to do with better vision. With this information, Dr. Palmer can design and demonstrate specialized magnifying devices.

• Dr. Palmer may use a specialized eye chart to more fully evaluate your vision
• It will be requested that you bring examples of the unique activities that you want to perform (read mail, see your laptop and phone screens, do crafts/hobbies, etc.)
• Dr. Palmer will prescribe customized glasses specific to your vision and what you want to do

The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists has a doctor directory on their website. People do not need a doctor referral to make an appointment. www.IALVS.com