Low Vision Screening

Low Vision screening programs supported by Vision-Aid offer low vision assessments and help patients who have significant loss of vision to utilize their residual eyesight to the fullest possible extent with the use of optical and electronic magnification devices, assistive devices and technology and special training. The process also involves counselling of low vision patients so as to instill hope and confidence in them and motivating them to live their lives with independence and dignity.

Low Vision Assessment is a comprehensive process and can take up to three hours per patient. The optometrist who performs this requires specialized training in Low Vision Care.

Only patients who have been declared as having Low Vision conditions by a qualified ophthalmologist are accepted for Low Vision assessments. Such patients suffer from eye disorders resulting in a loss of sight that cannot be improved by medicine, surgery or eyeglasses. While most of the patients are referred by outside hospitals or clinics, walk-in patients who do not have a low vision referral, are offered an evaluation by the resident doctor who, after evaluating a patient’s condition will assess if the patient qualifies for low vision assessment.

During the Low Vision Assessment, the optometrist will gain an understanding of not only the patient’s vision condition but also the patient’s needs, in terms of job requirements, day to day activities, mobility needs and such. Then the patient is prescribed an appropriate combination of low vision aids or Assistive technology to help them perform their tasks as independently and confidently as possible.

In the case of a visually handicapped school going child, for example, the solution may be spectacle mounted telescope which can help the child to see the black board better. In the case of a senior citizen, who has lost vision due to Age related macular degeneration the prescription may be an electronic CCTV magnifier which the patient can connect to a TV at home and use that to read magnified images of print (newspaper or book) on a TV set at home. Sometimes simple techniques like effective use improved lighting or thick tipped felt pens for writing may make a big difference in improving a patients efficiency. , The solutions will vary widely depending on the nature of the patient’s eye condition and the tasks they would need to perform but almost all solutions will use either optical or electronic magnification of varying types in combination with training in the use of such devices.

Visit our success stories page to see how our Vision Enhancement services are helping people who are visually impaired.