A Low Vision Optometrist, An Integral Part of the Low Vision Patients Care Team

Published on
February 4, 2022

When a person has vision loss they will often have multiple doctors that they see already, and are unsure if visiting another eye care professional is needed. They may have a long term relationship with their general care optometrist or an ophthalmologist, and they may be hesitant to switch to a new provider.
It is important to understand that a low vision optometrist does not replace your other eye doctors, rather they provide a new and extremely important aspect to the care team. 

 

Maximizing your functional vision

A low vision optometrist is there to maximize your independence for people that are struggling to do the things that they love after losing some of their vision. These patients are unable to improve their vision with regular correction methods such as glasses or contact lenses.  They are confronted with a new reality where things that for most are taken for granted, such as reading, watching tv, driving, and seeing faces, now become difficult or impossible. The low vision optometrist will identify the visual tasks that are most important to the patient, and work with them to understand how best each patient can maximize their remaining vision to regain their independence and enjoy those things again. While not every task is achievable for every patient, for the vast majority of low vision patients, more can be done. A low vision optometrist works with patients that have vision loss resulting from conditions such as macular degeneration, ocular albinism, strokes, retinitis pigmentosa, or glaucoma. They assess and guide the patient on the best strategies and low vision devices to improve their functional vision. Whether it is magnification, glare and color contrast, visual field loss, or other aspects of vision loss, the low vision optometrist has the tools and expertise to help each patient get the most out of their vision. 

 

My Ophthalmologist said that nothing more can be done

From a medical point of view, in most cases there is nothing more that can be done to regain vision loss from disease. However the reason why a low vision optometrist will say “there is more that can be done” is due to the difference between an optometrist or an ophthalmologist and a low vision optometrist. An ophthalmologist or optometrist may be monitoring you for whatever condition you have, or maybe actively treating a condition as needed. With a low vision optometrist, the difference is going to be that you're really starting to look at specific goals. Once they understand your vision loss and the visual goals of the patient, they will start to help the patient and their family understand what options are available to help them achieve those goals. They are going to start looking at things like optical devices, or electronic devices that may assist with the ability to see standard print, things like filters that might assist with glare sensitivity, or any kind of other non optical devices to meet your goals.

 

Learn more about a low vision exam with a low vision optometrist https://amplifyeyecarechatt.com/low-vision/how-the-low-vision-optometrist-and-ophthalmologist-can-help-you/

Testimonials


Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.


Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.


Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John  are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!


Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!


Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!


Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!


Alice M.
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