You have made an appointment for a low vision examination. This will be one of the most important appointments you will make to improve your ability to see. So that you can get the most from your examination, I want to share with you a few steps on how you can assist me and my staff in serving you best.

The term “low vision” means that you have permanently lost some amount of vision to a level where you cannot see what you want or need to see. Although your vision cannot be made perfect again, in almost every case, if you have any vision, we can make it better than it is.

Low vision is a rehabilitation process. We will work with you to improve your vision over the next few months to the highest level possible.

You can be helped to use your remaining vision in three ways:

1. In most cases, special eyeglasses — and in some cases, high-powered telescopic eyeglasses like our bioptic glasses — may be very helpful for seeing at a distance, such as TV and faces, or up close for reading and computer use. We can demonstrate how this works while you’re in the clinic to see if it helps you see what you want to see. While not appropriate for everyone, these devices often improve a person’s vision two to three times better, or more, than it is currently.
2. You will be taught how to use your remaining vision more efficiently than you do now, through eye exercises and vision rehabilitation techniques. In most cases, these exercises are covered by your medical insurance.
3. We’ll also explore alternate devices to help with certain tasks, including better lighting, high contrast, enlarged print, and auditory or hearing techniques.

Preparing for Your Appointment

It will be helpful to me if you think about the specific problems you’re having at home, work, or school because of your changing vision. This may include difficulty with reading, watching TV, getting around, playing cards, sewing, knitting, woodworking, or other social and recreational activities. Some of these problems may not be helped by the options available, but we won’t know unless you tell us. Think about the things you’d like to see better, and start framing them as goals. It will also help to write down your problem areas, or have someone write them down for you, along with the goals you hope to reach. Think of a specific vision problem, where it takes place, and what kind of lighting is available in that location.

The examination may be lengthy, typically one to one and a half hours. Please plan your medications and meals accordingly, and choose a time when you feel you’re at your best.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

1. Bring any glasses or magnifying devices you’re currently using.
2. If you have specific materials you want to work with — forms, books, needlepoint, hobbies, or work-related documents — bring them to your examination. This is especially helpful for materials tied to your job, school, or hobbies you’d like to continue.
3. Even if you’ve recently had an eye exam from your optometrist or ophthalmologist, your medical insurance may cover most or all of your low vision examination services. Please bring your health insurance cards, supplemental insurance cards, and photo ID to your appointment. You can review our accepted plans in more detail on our Payment Options page.

Finally

This will be your initial visit. I will usually need to see you at least one more time to make sure you’re getting the best prescription for your eyes and that the goals you want to accomplish are being met.

This also allows time to try a device at home for a month or two before we prescribe a final one. This added home experience helps us design a low vision device that provides you with the best performance and greatest comfort.

Keep in mind that the best low vision care happens when we form a partnership — one where we both understand your goals and work together to achieve them. Learn more about the specialist who will be guiding your care on our Meet Our Doctor page, or explore our full range of low vision glasses and low vision treatments ahead of your visit.

I am here for you, and as always, I want you to walk out of the office seeing better than you did walking in.

Sincerely,

Edward J. Huggett, Jr., O.D., P.A.
Board Certified Doctor of Optometry