Low Vision Services for Adults

Low Vision Therapy, Devices, and Services Improve Quality of Life

It’s fundamentally important to understand what low vision is to know what can be done about it. Low vision is the term used to describe significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with any combination of glasses, contact lenses, medication or eye surgery—it affects millions of people nationwide. Learning to live with low vision requires an adjustment to the loss and a knowledge of the devices that could help you use your remaining vision. As part of our low vision services for the blind and visually impaired, our Certified Low Vision Therapists will work with you to find assistive devices and help learn techniques that will enable you to use any remaining vision.

Arthur

“[Bob], thank you for meeting with me today. I’ve learned a lot from you. Many of these devices I didn’t know existed. They certainly will help me with my vision but just as importantly they will help reduce this constant feeling of lonely isolation. Paradoxically (my 50-cent word for today), I feel loneliest and most isolated when I’m among a group of people.”

Explore the wide range of high quality optical, non-optical and electronic devices that can improve visual performance. Proper eyeglasses, magnifying devices, reading stands, the proper use of lighting, and re-positioning of work material can reduce strain and fatigue.

FUNCTIONAL VISION ASSESSMENT

When glasses no longer help, magnification devices, lighting, and techniques might. A Functional Vision Assessment performed by a Low Vision Therapist will help you learn about equipment and resources so that you can use your remaining vision to its greatest potential.

Understanding the extent of the visual impairment, using magnification, and controlling lighting can frequently improve visual task completion. During your Functional Vision Assessment, you will also explore hand-held, portable, and desktop magnifiers and computer adaptations.

LOW VISION THERAPY AND TRAINING

Our Low Vision Therapy helps individuals with a mild, moderate and severe visual impairment learn to use the proper low vision devices, low vision techniques and low vision technologies that can improve their quality of life. For activities in the home, on the go, at school or for a job, a wide range of resources could be helpful.

You’ll work alongside a Certified Low Vision Therapist to help you understand the characteristics and frustrations of your visual situation while guiding you through the common useful approaches, including; magnification (optical, large print and electronic), lighting (both room and tasks lighting), glare control (position of lighting, sunglasses) and the use of technology (cell phone, smart phones, tablets and computers). Support and Training services are also available.

Most services are best provided at the Carroll Center where we have an extensive range of devices and technologies. Other options may be available so please contact us to see how we can accommodate your needs.

NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY (NECO) CENTER FOR EYE CARE

This clinic offers the full spectrum of low vision care and rehabilitation by NECO Optometrists, Nicole Ross, OD, MSc, FAAO and Micaela Gobeille, OD. Dr. Ross and Dr. Gobeille specialize in low vision, providing patients with cutting-edge assistive and adaptive technologies, as well as rehabilitative services.

The NECO doctors are able to treat local patients at the Newton campus, providing those patients with an opportunity to use the latest adaptive technology available at the Center. To make an appointment, please call us at (617) 969-6200 ext. 244 or email info@carroll.org.