What is Low Vision?

Low vision is a partial loss of vision characterized by a decrease in acuity, sharpness or peripheral vision. Patients require rehabilitation services when their functioning is impaired and cannot be improved with medical, surgical, or conventional optical principles. The most common causes of low vision are related to the aging process and complication from diseases such as diabetes. Decreased visual functioning may also occur as a result of birth defects, hereditary factors, or injury.

Low Vision Evaluation

The low vision evaluation is the first step of rehabilitation. The initial evaluation will determine if a patient’s present level of vision can be improved to perform daily living tasks, such as reading, traveling in unfamiliar surroundings, cooking, etc. Patients should have an eye care specialist who will continue to monitor their eyes for conditions that could result in additional eye health complications or further vision loss. A low vision evaluation is not a medical evaluation for eye health.

Scheduling

The low vision evaluation may be lengthy. Patients should make sure to schedule the evaluation around medications and meals, selecting a time when they feel their vision is at its best. After the initial visit, patients may require follow-up sessions for training. Home experience is also necessary to attain sufficient performance and comfort with prescribed low vision devices and to make sure all of the patient’s needs and goals have been addressed.

Appointment Preparation

Patients should think about specific problems they are having at home, work, or school as a result of failing vision. This may include problems with reading, watching TV, getting around, playing cards, sewing, knitting, or other social and recreational activities. Patients should think about the things they would like to see better and set goals for their rehabilitation. It is often helpful to write down problem areas.

What You Should Bring

Patients should collect and bring all glasses, magnifiers, or other low vision devices they have used or are still using.

The Low Vision Rehabilitation Service Hours

The Eye Institute
At the Sanford L. Ziff Health Care Center
Nova Southeastern University
3200 South University Drive
Second Floor
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328
954-262-4200
Appointments: Thursday

The Lighthouse of Broward
650 North Andrews Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-463-4217
Appointments: Tuesday and Wednesday

For additional information contact the chief of service, Nicole Patterson, OD, FAAO at 954-262-1482