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Who should have a LV (Low Vision)
appointment?
Anyone who after medical
treatment or new specs is not able to see well enough to do the
things they would like (or need to do!)
- Anyone who says they
cannot read properly
- Anyone who says their
glasses are still not correct
- Anyone with ARMD
who you would refer for surgery if they had 'cataracts'
- Anyone who cannot
drive their car or read n10
- Anyone who asks for
LV appointment or a magnifier.
Remember
- You do not have to
be certified or registered with a BD8
- There is no age limit
- Children and people
with learning disabilities can benefit from LV appointments
- There are no charges
-devices are loaned
There are three parts to the service
- The assessment -this
is with a LV nurse or orthoptist.
A questionnaire will be completed you will have the chance to
ask questions about their eyesight and about LV
- The optometrist will
briefly discuss the points raised in your assessment, carry out
the refraction and explain the test results.
The optometrist will then show and trial any magnifiers.
- The low vision therapist
-this is a practical appointment and will take place on another
day after the device has been supplied.
The therapist should be the same nurse or orthoptist the user
saw at the first appointment.
The therapist will check the use of the magnifier, assess visual
function (with and without devices) and practice some reading/
viewing techniques.
You should bring examples of things you would like to be able
to see to do, such as knitting or reading music.
- The optometrist will refer you on to other agencies that may
help, such as social services, computer training, job-training,
and so on. See our local information page.
Evidence
There is considerable evidence that a Low
Vision program can be very helpful and here . BJO
2011. Navigation training is required if the visual field is restricted
2011.
"Our study suggests that: practitioners should be alert to potential
mobility difficulties when the visual field is less than about 1.2
sr (70° diameter); assessment for mobility rehabilitation may be
warranted when the visual field is constricted to about 0.23 to 0.63
sr (31 to 52° diameter) depending on the nature of their visual
field loss and previous history (at risk); and mobility rehabilitation
should be conducted before the visual field is constricted to 0.05
sr (15° diameter; critical)."
Eccentic Viewing
This can help and is discussed etc in the clinic. Newsletter.
References
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Low vision & Macula Disease |
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