What is Low Vision?

Low vision refers to visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses. Low vision may result from glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease or stroke. Though often associated with the elderly, children may also be challenged by this level of visual impairment due to hereditary conditions such as ocular albinism or pediatric glaucoma. Therefore, we treat low vision patients of all ages.

Our low vision services provide patients with sophisticated optical devices to help them cope with their reduced level of vision. These devices do not bring back lost vision or improve the clarity of vision. They will, however, magnify vision and increase visual contrast. This will help make the most out of a person’s remaining eyesight.

Low vision requires thorough evaluation

A low vision evaluation exam begins with a thorough patient history and a detailed discussion of the patient’s daily routine. The goal is to define the patient’s specific visual needs. The initial consultation may take up to an hour. Occasionally multiple visits are required to address specific visual concerns. Our doctors use this detailed information to create a personal profile that includes solutions tailored to the patient’s visual and task-related needs.

Low vision can be helped by special optical devices

Next, the doctor chooses the right optical device. Our staff, with know-how and patience, provides hands-on training uniquely tailored to your individual lifestyle. Low vision aids and magnification devices include everything from special spectacle mounted telescopes for viewing distance to hand held magnifiers for reading books, mail and other hard-to-read small details such as pill bottle labels.

There is vision help beyond eyeglasses. Our low vision services make the personalized difference that reduces frustration and increases productivity for any patient who is looking for more functional vision. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with visual impairment, consider a low vision consultation with one of our doctors.

Our low vision services make the personalized difference that reduces frustration and increases productivity for any patient who is looking for more functional vision. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or surgery, a low vision consultation with one of our doctors may be beneficial. To learn how a world-class team can give you the best results in low vision services, look to Giulio Diamante, MD & Associates here at OPTX Rhode Island. Call us at 401.521.3606 or use our online Request an Appointment form to schedule your appointment.