Low Vision Rehabilitation - NECO Center for Eye Care

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Low Vision Rehabilitation

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To schedule an appointment, please contact the Specialty Clinic at our Commonwealth office by calling (617) 398-8531. Please note that ophthalmology records and/or pertinent medical examination and rehabilitation records are required for scheduling an initial low vision consult. Please have your doctor fax records from a recent eye exam to (617) 396-8517.

Vision is measured on a spectrum from 20/20 vision to no light perception. Low vision or chronic vision impairment is reduced vision that cannot be corrected further with conventional glasses, contact lenses, medicine, and surgery.

Vision impairment can be caused by various eye conditions, including congenital impairment, acquired impairment (e.g., glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy), and age-related vision loss (e.g., macular degeneration). Such loss is often debilitating and impacts an individual’s independence and quality of life. Our clinical team provides comprehensive low-vision rehabilitation, including assessing a patient’s visual impairment, maximizing their visual function, and developing a customized plan based on the person’s goals.

At the Janet L. LaBreck Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation at the NECO Center for Eye Care, we aim to help patients with vision impairment maximize visual function at home, work, and everyday life. From our specialized exam rooms and evaluation equipment to a wide variety of visual assistive equipment and assistive technology, our low-vision rehabilitation team works with patients to find the best options for their needs.

Vision rehabilitation is a process that begins through a comprehensive history and evaluation to understand the degree of vision impairment. Our team then works with patients to determine if optical solutions (e.g., specialized glasses, hand/stand magnifiers, or filters for glare control) or non-optical solutions (e.g., reading guides, appropriate lighting, large print, audiobooks, sensory substitution) are part of the solution for the patient.

Our team coordinates care with the entire interdisciplinary team, including occupational therapists, teachers of the visually impaired, certified low-vision therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and social service agencies, to maximize each patient's safety, independence, and quality of life.

NECO Center for Eye Care offers low-vision rehabilitation services for individuals with a vision impairment that cannot be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses. This includes the use of specialized optical devices and technologies, including:

Handheld or stand magnifiers of all powers
Custom optical and spectacle solutions
Electronic magnification
Monocular, binocular, and spectacle based telescopic devices
Prism systems for peripheral awareness
Tinted spectacle lenses

These adaptive techniques maximize our patients' remaining vision and improve their quality of life. Our doctors individualize testing and recommendations based on the patient's specific issues and goals.

What causes low vision?
Low vision can result from various eye diseases and conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and congenital eye conditions. It can also be caused by trauma or neurological conditions affecting the visual pathways.

What are some common rehabilitation strategies for low vision?
Rehabilitation strategies for low vision include:

Optical devices: Magnifiers, telescopes, and specialized glasses
Non-optical aids: High-contrast materials, large-print books, and electronic reading devices
Environmental modifications: Improved lighting, use of contrasting colors, and glare reduction
Adaptive techniques: Training using residual vision, orientation, and mobility training

What types of optical devices are available for low-vision patients?
A variety of optical devices can help enhance remaining vision, including:

Hand-held magnifiers: For reading and detailed tasks
Stand magnifiers: For hands-free reading
Telescopic lenses: For distance viewing
Specialized glasses: Customized lenses for specific tasks like reading or watching television
Electronic magnification devices and aids: either tabletop or head born devices offering electronic magnification and contrast enhancement

How can non-optical aids assist someone with low vision?
Non-optical aids can improve daily functioning by enhancing visual information or providing alternatives to vision. Examples include:

Large-print books and high-contrast materials: Easier to read
Audiobooks and screen readers: Provide auditory access to the text
Electronic devices: Tablets and e-readers with adjustable font sizes and brightness settings
Tactile aids: Braille, raised markers, and bump dots for identifying items

What role does technology play in vision rehabilitation?
Technology plays a significant role in vision rehabilitation by offering tools that enhance visual capabilities and independence. Examples include:

Screen magnification software: Enlarges text and images on computers and mobile devices
Voice-activated assistants: Provide hands-free information and control over smart home devices
Wearable electronic devices: Enhance vision through digital magnification and contrast adjustment

What should I expect during a low vision evaluation?
During a low vision evaluation, our specialists will:

Conduct a comprehensive eye examination
Assess visual function, including customized assessments of your visual acuity, visual field, and contrast sensitivity
Discuss your daily visual challenges and goals
Recommend appropriate optical and non-optical aids
Develop a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you maximize your remaining vision

Does insurance cover low-vision services?
Coverage for low vision services varies by insurance plan. You must check with your insurance provider for details on coverage for low vision evaluations and rehabilitation services. Additionally, coverage of low-vision devices varies by insurance plan. Our office staff can assist you with insurance questions and guide you through potential out-of-pocket costs. Please contact us for more information.