Learn About Low Vision
What is Low Vision?
- Low vision is defined as visual impairments that are not correctable through surgery or corrected lenses. Low vision causes a reduction in visual acuity, visual field, or both
Eye Doctors and Vision Professionals
- There are two types of eye doctors: optometrists and ophthalmologists. There are also other important professionals in an eye doctor’s office, including opticians, assistive-technology specialist, orientation and mobility specialists, occupational therapists, and vision-rehabilitation therapists.
- Optometrists
- An optometrist is an eye doctor who has earned a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Optometrists examine eyes for both vision and health problems and correct refractive errors by prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. They often have someone on their staff to provide low-vision care and vision therapy, or they can refer you to a low-vision specialist in your area. Later in the book, I list out a link in your state so you can find an optometrist in your area.
- Ophthalmologists
- An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform the full spectrum of eye care, including conducting exams, diagnosing and treating disease, prescribing medications, and performing specialized eye surgery. They also write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses. They often have someone on their staff to provide low-vision care and vision therapy, or they can refer you to a low-vision specialist in your area.
Low Vision Rehab.
- Other Specialists
- Low-vision rehabilitation is a service provided by a team made up of a assistive-technology specialists, orientation and mobility specialists, occupational therapists, vision-rehabilitation therapists, and other professionals. Low-vision rehabilitation services allow people who are blind or have low vision to continue to live independently and maintain quality of life.
- An assistive-technology specialist is an individual who provides products and services that are designed to assist people with disabilities to choose, acquire, or use assistive-technology devices.
- An orientation and mobility (O and M) specialist can help a person with low vision learn to move about safely in his or her home and travel outside without assistance.
- Occupational therapists are professionals who help people remain independent. Some specialize in low-vision rehabilitation and can train people with low vision to use magnifiers, talking devices, and other assistive-technology aids. They can provide treatment only with the prescription of a medical doctor or a doctor of optometry.
- Vision-rehabilitation therapists are specialists in independent living who train people with low vision to perform a wide range of daily activities.
