Sam from The Blind Life visits Low Vision Specialists of MD & VA and captures his experience.
Low Vision Evaluation
Experience a Comprehensive Low Vision Evaluation
We are a group of professional low vision doctors and our evaluations are not like any eye exam you have ever had before. If you or a loved one is suffering from a low vision condition (macular degeneration, stargardt's disease, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, or another vision loss disease), you have arrived to the right location. Over the course of one to two hours (actual time with the doctor) our doctors will conduct a comprehensive low vision exam that creates a thorough and detailed road-map of your sight.
We want to know;
1. What level of vision do you have now?
2. What sort of tasks do you want to perform each day and what level of sight do you require so you can accomplish that?
3. What advanced medical devices and innovative technology do we have that can reach your personal goals?
Once those questions have been answered, our doctors can create a personalized road map that will take you to enhanced vision and give you the ability to do the things you love every day. Seeing faces, reading, watching television, computers, driving, hobbies & crafts, and more...
What is a low vision evaluation like?
The purpose of the exam is to help doctors understand, and patients articulate, the ways in which low vision impacts the ability to function in daily life. We do this through proven questions and clinical tools. Our clinical exam of your sight, combined with first hand demonstrations of its function, will give our doctors the comprehensive information they need to enhance your vision.
Here are some examples of what you can expect in a low vision exam.
1. Our doctors will use special charts and ophthalmic techniques to “draw out” any residual vision that may be “hiding” in the periphery of your vision.
2. You will be asked very specific questions about your current level of sight and the daily activities you can and cannot perform. This includes discussions of your goals and priorities for sight; do you want to be able to drive, read, sew, knit, golf?
3. You may be asked to bring in samples of things you read and use during the course of your regular day; phones, laptops, materials from hobbies including books, knitting directions, magazines etc.
4. Our low vision doctor specialists will determine an appropriate new prescription, magnification levels, and how much your vision can be improved.
As the evaluation progresses, you will experience what improved vision looks like and how it can change your daily life. You will try different types of sight magnification tools, allowing our doctors to analyze how they impact your level of vision.
Each one of these steps gives our doctors detailed information and informs them as they determine which innovative medical devices will best enhance your vision. Their analysis and conclusions become a vision enhancement plan designed specifically for you to maximize your vision and achieve your personal goals.
If we can’t help you, there is no charge
Throughout the low vision exam, our doctors will be assessing whether or not our services can enhance your vision. If they determine that we cannot help you, there will be no charge for your visit. After all, we are here to help, not to waste your time and money. We do help the majority of our patients, even when they have been told nothing more can be done to improve their vision and chances are we can help you too.
A low vision magnification assessment, a prescribed custom optical device, or an over the counter low vision aid (i.e wearable technology) shall never be a substitute for routine medical eye care with your primary or specialists eye care practitioner.