Low Vision Evaluations

An optometrist specializing in low vision assesses the level of functional vision. The low vision evaluation differs from a conventional eye health evaluation in that instead of focusing on how much vision has been lost, the focus is on how much vision is left. Visual function tests such as visual acuity (how big does the print need to be), visual fields (peripheral or side vision), central visual fields (testing for central blind spots), color vision, contrast sensitivity (ability to see faint print on a light background) and glare testing (ability to see in bright light) will be performed and evaluated as to how they affect activities of daily living. The goal is to determine how to use remaining vision effectively to perform necessary or desired tasks with the help of low vision devices.

Occupational therapists specializing in low vision collaborate with the optometrist to evaluate a person's level of function in every day activities. Areas of evaluation and treatment include but are not limited to: reading, writing, cooking, diabetes self-management, home management and safety.
           

Studies have shown that even patients with mild brain injury often have undiagnosed visual complications that affect activities of daily living such as reading and driving. The low vision optometrist specializes in the evaluation of ABI patients including traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis and other neurological illnesses.  The low vision optometrist will work with the occupational therapist to develop a rehabilitation plan to address visual complications including vision impairment, double vision, visual field loss and visual processing. 

The Dynavision is therapeutic equipment used to improve visual and motor function compromised by injury or disease such as stroke or head injury.  Goals of Dynavision Rehabilitation include improving scanning strategies, visual attention, eye hand coordination, reaction time and decision making skills.

Determining the level of functioning vision is critical for the development of the preschool child.  The low vision optometrist can usually determine the level of functional vision even in non-verbal children or multiple handicapped children.  This information will help the child’s family gain a better understanding of their child’s vision and aid pre-school teachers in their educational plan.

The student’s visual needs for education change each year and providing the student with the low vision devices and necessary adaptations can improve school performance.

The low vision optometrist will determine the level of functional vision for students and help determine which low vision devices may be beneficial in the classroom. The low vision optometrist works with the parents and the teacher for students with vision impairment to ensure that the child’s visual needs are met in the classroom.

Persons with vision impairment can remain employed with the use of low vision devices and adaptations to the workplace.  The low vision optometrist will determine the level of functioning vision and work with the employer and vocational rehab counselor to ensure that the individual is able to function adequately in the workplace.

Determining whether an individual is safe to drive after acquired brain injury or as they mature can be difficult for the individual as well as family members. The low vision optometrist will evaluate those visual functions that are critical for safe driving including visual acuity, peripheral vision and contrast sensitivity.  The occupational therapist will evaluate other skills necessary for driving including visual processing, visual memory and reaction time.  By utilizing technology that evaluates these functions objectively, it can be determined whether an individual has the visual skills necessary for safe driving.  The occupational therapist will work with the rehab team to devise a plan to improve those skills that are lacking in order to allow an individual to resume driving.

Individuals with vision impairment may be able to drive with the use of a spectacle-mounted telescope.  The low vision optometrist will perform a low vision evaluation to determine if an individual is a good candidate for the spectacle-mounted telescope.