Low Vision

Low Vision is an area of Optometry which helps patients with visual impairments, which are not fully treatable by medical, surgical or conventional eyeglasses or contact lenses. A patient with low vision is someone who can no longer perform their normal daily tasks or must modify how they do their tasks, as a result of a vision problem. A different approach is required for each patient based on their individual visual needs, central and peripheral vision remaining and general health.

A wide variety of rehabilitation options are available to help people with low vision live more independently, successfully and safely. There are many different low vision treatment options and some of the more commonly prescribed devices include:

• Spectacle-mounted magnifiers or microscopes
• Hand-held or spectacle-mounted telescopes
• Hand-held and stand magnifiers
• Closed-circuit televisions

In addition, there are numerous other products to assist those with vision impairment, such as large-print books, talking books, talking wristwatches, self-threading needles, and more.

Please note that very few people are totally without sight. Ninety percent of individuals classified as "legally blind" actually have some vision.