After a thorough low vision evaluation, our low vision doctors will prescribe specific low vision aids tailored to meet your individual needs.  For distance, telescopes or binoculars can be used to help you recognize faces, watch performances or sporting events in more detail or to see the television more clearly.  Most patients who suffer from vision loss find that a magnifier is extremely helpful for reading mail, newspapers or documents.  Magnifiers are available as stand or hand-held.  Almost all of our patients find that an illuminated-magnifier is superior to a non-illuminated one for reading.  Our office also carries electronic low vision aids such as closed-circuit televisions and pocket electronic magnifiers.  Lighting is also of significance in low vision patients.  The majority of patients suffer from loss of contrast sensitivity which affects their ability to see in dim lighting.  We recommend the OttLite lighting system which provides patients with bright illumination without causing additional glare.  If you would like to order an OttLite lamp, you may do so here.

Because vision loss affects people individually, it is important that a low vision patient be evaluated before a low vision aid can be recommended.  For example, a magnfier that magnifies three times and works well for one patient may not work for another patient who has more severe vision loss and requires more magnification.  Giving a patient with vision loss an inadequate magnifier may cause additional stress and frustration if the magnifier does not meet their vision needs.  Therefore, once the patient has been seen for a low vision exam, our doctors will recommend a low vision aid customized to meet their needs.  Please refer to our page on low vision services to find out more about a low vision exam and how to prepare for your appointment.