What is Low Vision?

In this video I define, in my own terms, what it means to have low vision. Low vision is a functional vision deficit. So, regardless of the measurement of your visual acuity (e.g. 20/60, 20/200, etc.) and any label (e.g. partially-sighted, legally blind) that has been placed on you, you have “low vision” if you cannot see to do what you would like to be able to do. Said another way, it’s vision that is insufficient to do what you want to do.

Thanks for watching !

Dr. W. Jarrod Long

Meet Jacob! Albinism and Low Vision.

bioptics

Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services referred Jacob to Midwest Low Vision. Jacob is a high school senior with oculocutaneous Albinism and associated Amblyopia (more commonly known as a “lazy eye”). Oculocutaneous albinism and ocular albinism are genetic conditions causing the central retina, or macula, to underdevelop.

Like others born with albinism, Jacob adapted to his level of vision. However, Dr. Long worked with Jacob to figure out how to make visual tasks a little easier. Dr. Long prescribed a 4x magnifying Bioptic telescope for Jacob to use for distance details such as driving, seeing faces, or seeing the board at school. He proudly wears his bioptic glasses in the image to the left. In addition, Dr. Long prescribed a handheld electronic magnifier along with a dome magnifier to help him with reading and schoolwork. Jacob sits with these devices in the image below.

Jacob wearing his bioptic glasses and holding his Ruby video magnifier

Jacob plans to go to college to be a music teacher. He feels like his “new technology will help [him] through life”. Above all, he believes his devices will give him the ability to impact others in positive ways.

Since his initial appointment, Jacob has learned to use his tools in the most effective ways. Currently, Jacob is on his way to get specialized training to drive with bioptics!

Dr. Long has helped hundreds of patients with various forms of albinism to see better with specialized low vision care.

 

Welcome to our Midwest Low Vision Website!

Welcome to the Midwest Low Vision website! Take a look around and please visit the links to our social media pages (Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn) to learn the most updated information available about our practice, low vision services, and related eye and vision conditions.

Also, head directly to our Contact Us page to give us a call or the send an email message to Dr. Long.

We’re glad you found us and have an interest in helping yourself or someone you care for.

Sincerely,

Dr. W. Jarrod Long