The Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Low Vision Doctor

Navigating life with low vision can be a challenge. The condition refers to reduced visual acuity or field of vision that can’t be corrected with traditional glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. People with low vision may struggle with everyday tasks, such as reading, driving, watching TV, or shopping, resulting in a decreased quality of life. Fortunately, with the help of a low vision specialist near you, it may be possible to regain some independence and get back to the activities you enjoy. Here are the top five questions you should ask your low vision doctor to make the most of your consultation and continued care.

What is a Low Vision Doctor?

A low vision doctor is typically an optometrist or ophthalmologist who has specialized training to help patients with visual impairments beyond what traditional glasses or contact lenses can correct. In my case, I studied in New York City under Dr. Bruce Rosenthal and Dr. Eleanor Faye at Lighthouse Guild, the leading organization dedicated to addressing and preventing vision loss. Additionally, I did a VA residency, and in 2006, a mentorship to learn how to do advanced low vision care. Our practice, Midwest Low Vision, has been helping patients in the Bloomington, Clarksville, and Evansville, Indiana, and surrounding areas since 2006.

Low vision doctors are trained in the optics, physics, and use of high-powered lenses and lens systems and have in-depth understanding of principles of magnification, field of view, depth, and focus. Such specialists carry knowledge of the multitude of low vision glasses, magnifiers, electronic, and non-optical aids available.

How Can a Low Vision Doctor Help?

A low vision doctor helps by understanding your unique vision challenges and recommending specialized solutions to address them. We focus on your functional vision—the specific tasks you can, or cannot, see to do. While some optometrists may prescribe tools like handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers with lights, or even very strong glasses, a low vision doctor like myself, practicing advanced low vision care, will prescribe specialized eyewear for whatever activity is on your “wish list.” Some devices commonly include:

• Telescopic glasses: Telescopic glasses are special lenses designed to magnify distant and near objects, used for activities like watching TV or recognizing faces, and even reading or computer.
• Microscopic glasses: These lenses assist with close-up tasks, such as reading, doing hand work, or performing other fine-detail work.
• Prismatic lenses: Prismatic glasses shift images to improve focus and alignment; these are often used for double vision or eye coordination issues.
• E-scoop glasses: This special eyewear features combined optics that magnify and enhance contrast and reduce glare for individuals with conditions like macular degeneration. E-scoop glasses can even help with driving, when appropriate.
• Magnifiers: These are handheld or stand-up devices that enlarge text or objects. Different from ordinary magnifying glasses, these devices contain LED lights and other advanced features.
• Non-optical visual, tactile, auditory, and other aids: special lamps, lights, talking devices, and more can assist with daily functional tasks.

What Are the Top Conditions Treated by a Low Vision Doctor?

This is kind of a “trick question” because, while your low vision doctor has a deep understanding of the causes of low vision, our primary focus is on how we can improve your sight. That said, low vision doctors see patients with a wide variety of conditions, such as:

• Wet and dry macular degeneration: These affect central vision and are at the top of the list of most common conditions. Since 1997, I have seen thousands of patients with macular degeneration.
• Albinism and ocular albinism: These are genetic conditions causing reduced vision and light sensitivity.
• Stroke: A stroke can impair visual processing and cause partial vision loss.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBI may result in visual field loss or difficulty processing images.
• Optic neuropathy: Damage to the optic nerve can cause vision loss.
• Double vision: This is a condition where two images of a single object appear.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma that stems from an eye muscle or cranial nerve problem may benefit from low vision treatment.
• Stargardt disease: This is an inherited retinal disease causing central vision loss similar to macular degeneration.
• Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy consists of diabetes-related damage to retinal blood vessels.
• Eye injury: Trauma to the eye can reduce vision.
• Retinitis: Inflammation of the retina can lead to vision loss.
• Inoperable cataract: While most cataracts can be surgically corrected nowadays, inoperable cases may benefit from low vision care.
• Fuch’s corneal dystrophy: This is a rare condition which causes corneal clouding.
• Macular holes: A macular hole is a small break in the macula which causes blurry or distorted vision.
• Histoplasmosis: This is a fungal infection affecting the retina.

When Should You See a Low Vision Doctor?

When you start having difficulties with everyday activities like reading, watching TV, playing cards, seeing digital devices like your phone, and if you have already consulted with your regular optometrist and exhausted all corrective glasses or contact lens treatment, that is the time to see a low vision doctor. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist may provide a referral. Or, you may need to take action on your own and give us a call. The earlier you come in, the better chance for simpler, more effective solutions.

What Should You Expect From a Low Vision Doctor Consultation?

First, you want to make sure to schedule 1-2 hours of your time. This is not a regular eye examination. A low vision evaluation focuses on helping you regain the ability to do the tasks you are no longer able to do. Together we create a “wish list,” which may include activities like driving, reading, seeing faces, reading music, seeing digital devices, watching theater, or viewing sporting events. After determining functional needs, we then start trying out some devices, allowing you a chance to see through special glasses or use other aids before we prescribe. After identifying the best visual ads for your needs, we place the order. After the devices are received, usually around 3-4 weeks, we meet again to properly fit and train you on the devices. Most importantly, the care is ongoing. Should your vision change, should something feel “off” with your visual aids, we are here for you and will follow up to make sure everything possible is being done.

Bonus: How Do I Find a Low Vision Doctor?

If you’d like to consult with a low vision specialist near you, you can visit “Find a Doctor” on the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) website. Or, if you are located in the Midwest near Bloomington, Evansville, or Clarksville, Indiana, give us a call at 877-577-2040. We’re ready to help you get back to doing the activities you love.