Who Needs a Low Vision Specialist?
About 17% of people over the age of 65 have some level of visual impairment.
Some of these people may benefit from a vision-specialist evaluation.
Kriangsak Koopattanakij / Getty Images
Non-optical devices can also be used in combination with optical devices.
Be prepared for several vision tests and the dilation of your pupils with eye drops.
Remember to ask any questions you may have.
It may help to make a list in advance.
You will be guided on ways to adapt to your vision loss and maintain your independence.
For example:
Some conditions may be able to be fully treated, allowing good vision to return.
Others may only be slowed down, though lost vision cannot be restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Less than 20/1000 on the visual acuity scale is near-total low vision.
Beyond that, no light perception at all is considered total blindness.
American Foundation for the Blind.Low vision and legal blindness terms and descriptions.
VisionAware.What Are Low Vision Optical Devices?
VisionAware.Helpful Non-optical Devices for Low Vision.
International Academy of Low Vision Specialists.Find a low vision doctor.
American Optometric Association.Find a doctor of optometry.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Find an ophthalmologist.
VisionAware.The Low Vision Examination.
National Eye Institute.Diabetic Retinopathy.
American Optometric Association.Low vision and vision rehabilitation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Vision health initiative.Vision Loss.
