Frequently Asked Questions

What is low vision?

Low vision is significant vision impairment that can’t be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It’s usually caused by an eye disease, eye injury, or brain injury, and it means you have permanently lost some level of sight — but in almost every case, remaining vision can still be improved with the right care.

What conditions cause low vision?

The most common causes of low vision include age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, and inherited or acquired eye and brain injuries. Each condition affects vision differently, which is why a personalized low vision evaluation matters.

How is low vision different from a standard eye exam?

A standard eye exam checks for the need for glasses or contacts and screens for eye disease. A low vision evaluation goes further, measuring exactly how your vision loss affects daily tasks like reading, watching TV, or recognizing faces, and identifying the specific tools and techniques that can help you use your remaining vision more effectively.

Can low vision be cured?

In most cases, low vision from conditions like macular degeneration or glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, with low vision rehabilitation, specialized glasses, and adaptive strategies, most patients can significantly improve how well they use the vision they have left.

What is low vision rehabilitation therapy?

Low vision rehabilitation therapy is a structured program that trains patients to use their remaining vision more efficiently through techniques like eccentric viewing, along with magnification devices, lighting adjustments, and adaptive strategies for reading, cooking, and other daily activities.

What are bioptic glasses and who are they for?

Bioptic glasses combine a small telescopic lens mounted on regular eyeglasses, allowing wearers to glance through the telescope for distance tasks like reading signs or watching TV while using normal vision for everyday movement. They can benefit patients with macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, and in some states may support limited driving privileges.

Will Medicare or insurance cover a low vision exam?

Coverage varies by plan and by the specific service. Many low vision evaluations are covered similarly to other medical eye care visits, though specialized low vision devices are sometimes not covered by insurance. Our team can help you understand your specific benefits before your visit.

What should I bring to my first low vision appointment?

Bring your current glasses, a list of medications, any relevant medical records from your eye doctor, and a list of the specific daily tasks you’re struggling with, such as reading mail or recognizing faces. This helps us tailor your evaluation to your real-life needs.

Do you accept new patients?

Yes. New patients are always welcome. You can review what to expect at your first visit on our New Patient Center page, or request an appointment directly online.

Is there any cost if the doctor can’t help me?

If Dr. Huggett determines he cannot help improve your vision, there is no out-of-pocket charge for the exam.

What is eccentric viewing training?

Eccentric viewing training teaches patients with central vision loss, such as from macular degeneration, to use a healthier area of the peripheral retina to see more clearly, improving the ability to read, watch television, and recognize faces.

What kinds of low vision glasses are available?

Depending on your specific vision loss and goals, options may include bioptic telescopic glasses, field expanding glasses, E-Scoop glasses, clear image microscopic glasses, and FDTS glasses. Each is designed for different tasks, from distance viewing to close-up reading.

Can low vision devices help with driving?

Bioptic telescopic glasses may support limited driving in states that permit it. Whether this is an option for you depends on your specific vision, state regulations, and a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Huggett.

Is low vision only a concern for older adults?

No. While low vision is more common in older adults due to age-related eye disease, it can affect people of any age, including children, due to inherited conditions, injury, or other eye diseases.

How do I know if I have low vision instead of a vision problem glasses can fix?

If your vision remains blurry, has blind spots, or limits your ability to read, drive, or recognize faces even with an updated glasses prescription, you may have low vision. A comprehensive low vision evaluation can determine the cause and the right next steps.

How long does a low vision evaluation take?

A comprehensive low vision evaluation typically takes longer than a standard eye exam, since it involves detailed testing of visual acuity, visual fields, and contrast sensitivity, along with a discussion of your specific daily vision goals.

Do you work with patients referred by other doctors?

Yes. We regularly work with referring physicians and optometrists to provide specialized low vision care as part of a patient’s broader treatment plan.

Where is NuEyes Low Vision Solutions located?

Our office is located at 2595 Tampa Rd, Suite R, Palm Harbor, FL 34684, serving patients throughout the greater Palm Harbor and Tampa Bay area.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can request an appointment through our website or call our office directly at (727) 463-2579 to schedule a low vision evaluation.