Low Vision Examination
A low vision examination differs from a routine eye exam to evaluate a patient for glasses. Instead it evaluates how to enhance the patient’s remaining vision. The Low Vision Specialist asks the patient about their health history, what medications they are taking and what their living arrangements are such as living independently or in assisted living. The specialist will ask them what activities they would like to do that they can’t do now such as watch television, write checks, take a walk, read the newspaper, or see faces.
Low vision is not strictly related to aging. Although the most common cause of low vision in the elderly is macular degeneration, more people in the 40s are experiencing glaucoma, so low vision can affect people of all ages. Many people want to know if they would be able to drive again, but unfortunately a person with low vision is not allowed to drive by law and a low vision specialist cannot help with that.
People are referred to the Low Vision Clinic by local optometrists or ophthalmologists, they may already be Center for Vision Loss clients, or they are referred by the PA Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services (BBVS). The Low Vision Clinic accepts self-pay patients, people eligible for Medicare and those who have some Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurances.
