Low Vision Help

Some people have problems with their vision that cannot be corrected with normal methods
to give a good enough vision for normal tasks. These people still have some vision but extra help is needed to maximise the use of that vision so that it can cope with visual tasks that most people would take for granted, for example reading some correspondence. Conditions that would often cause such problems are Age Related Macular Degeneration or cataracts that have developed but cannot be operated for.

In these situations we are presented with an eye that cannot utilise the light effectively
and yet often finds too much light a hindrance or discomfort. In these circumstances it is important to first find out what the patient considers to be important, deciding what is a realistic aim and then trying to find a way, or range of ways, to achieve the objective. This is achieved by working together as a team - patient / optometrist / dispenser – with all parties accepting that compromises may be needed in working practices to achieve the best possible result.

We are not miracle workers but very often
find that if time is taken to explain what the various options are then an increased level of satisfaction is achieved even if an absolute goal is not managed.
As part of our training, both initial and ongoing, optometrists develop skills that help but Adrian has undertaken specific further study and examinations in Low Vision work and as such is seen as our low vision ‘specialist’

Help can range from simple, stronger spectacles
that are task specific through magnifiers, special lighting, telescopes (hand held or attached to spectacles) to closed circuit video systems attached to a TV or VDU. As a general rule the simpler the system the most useful but with most systems a degree of adaptation is required. We also work alongside charities that are based around Manchester to try to achieve further support and help.

At present residents of Salford over the age of 60
are able to have help to some of the options under the NHS through ourselves but otherwise Low Vision Aid is given via the NHS through the Hospital Eye Service. We can offer the extra advice and expertise but would have to charge privately for it. The first course of action is always to get an assessment of the eye’s initial potential with a sight test and to discuss the matter with your optometrist.