Guiding a loved one to see a low vision optometrist

Published on

January 20, 2022

When someone undergoes the transition to being low vision they undergo a sort of bereavement process coming to terms with the loss of so many things that once were simple. Low vision optometrists are vital in helping low vision patients transition through that process.

What to say if your loved one says “I already have an eye doctor?”

If you have a family member or friend who is visually impaired then you may be wondering how you can help them. You spend time and research a low vision provider that is in your area. When you speak to your loved one they say “I already have an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, if it was something that I needed my Dr. would have told me.”

We are referred to by many of the ophthalmologists and optometrists in the area, but in some instances there is not enough communication from the primary care provider about options for a low vision patient.

Explain the difference to them.

An Optometrist or Ophthalmologist that you currently see is an important element of monitoring health and taking available treatments to prevent the progression of vision loss.

A low vision optometrist is going to be someone who now looks at their functional vision and helps with things such as optic or non optic devices, absorptive filters to help with glare sensitivity and possibly different types of technology to assist with me and to the patient's goal. There is still a lot of hope for maximizing the remaining vision and to enable a low vision patient to regain the things that they really felt brought meaning to their lives.

Paint a picture of how it can help

Ask them “what do you miss the most since you lost your vision”? Explain how a low vision optometrist will look at their vision and really maximize their remaining vision. In many cases a low vision patient who was told “nothing more can be done” will be able to drive, read, watch tv, and so much more.

That is the reason they should go see a low vision optometrist, to regain the things that were taken away from them when they started losing vision.

Contact their Eye Doctor

Many times an ophthalmologist or optometrist will forget to refer a patient to a low vision optometrist. If your loved one is still hesitant, offer to call the primary care eye doctor and ask what they think about visiting a low vision optometrist such as Dr. McBryar.

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!!!