Why a low vision exam is important for patients and family members alike

Published on

January 5, 2022

One of the most important reasons to go and have a comprehensive examination done with a low vision optometrist is for the educational component. Many of my patients and their family members that come in don't really understand what it is that's going on, and what the impact of that is functionally in their day to day activities. So for instance, that patient may be managed by a retina doctor, and they may be receiving injections on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. But yet, they don't really understand why their loved one can't do certain things at home, so maybe they can see something small on the carpet to pick up. But yet, they're not able to see other things that seemingly they should be able to. So a lot of an exam in a low vision setting is spent educating the patient and their family members about what is going on. And the importance of that is that then is going to allow the family to help the patient cope better with the vision loss.

What family members should understand about a loved one who is adjusting to vision loss

Anytime a patient has a drop in vision, both initially and ongoing with progressive conditions, they will go through an inevitable grieving period. And that's important and they have to go through that. But part of what we need to do is be able to support them and get them through the grieving period. So part of that is just the understanding and being able to talk to them about it. We may also need to involve other professionals, for example a licensed therapist who has a background in adjustment counseling, so somebody who can specifically talk to them about adjusting to vision loss.

Why we encourage family members to be at the low vision exam

As a parent of a child with low vision and a doctor that has worked with many low vision patients and their families over the years, I have a strong appreciation of the impact to both the patient and family that vision loss can have. It is so important for the patient to have their families support at this time, and also to have their family members understand what it is that they are experiencing and may need help with. I also find it equally as important for the family members, who are also entering a new world of helping their loved ones adapt to vision loss, and they can really feel empowered when they understand their role in supporting a family member with vision loss.

Learn more about tips for family members of someone with vision loss here.

https://amplifyeyecarechatt.com/low-vision/guide-for-family-members-of-those-coping-with-low-vision/

Call our office at (423) 710 3965 to schedule a low vision exam.

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!!!