Surgery Center

Vision Exam

What is a Low Vision Examination?

A low vision examination is an optical and functional evaluation to determine whether the patient's vision can be enhanced to enable the patient to participate in desired activities. The examination should include an exploration of optical and nonoptical systems, in addition to the patient's perceptual and physiological skills. When coordinated with other optometric, medical, education and rehabilitative services, the end results should enable the patient to maximize his or her sight.

To set the stage for that process, low vision refraction must be performed when conventional refractive techniques have been tried and failed. The use of radical retinoscopic techniques; subjective testing with trial frame, trial lenses, telescopes and other distance optical devices; modified optotypes, target positioning, lighting and other visual modifiers are used to determine the following:

• Whether conventional lens can be appropriately modified, not necessarily for quantitative measurements but for improved qualitative acuities.
• Whether a conventional lens prescription, in combination with additional distance optics (e.g., telescopes, electro-optical systems), near optics (e.g., microscopes, hand-held and stand magnifiers, electro-optical systems), field-awareness systems (e.g., mirrors, prisms, reversed telescopies), or nonoptical devices could be used to improve sight and visual performance.

A low vision examination is not a medical evaluation to determine eye health. Such an evaluation should be performed by the referring practitioner as justification for additional specialized services. It is imperative that the patient have a primary care optometrist or ophthalmologist who can monitor any eye conditions that could result in eye health problems or further vision loss. Patients are always encouraged to return to the primary care eye doctor for continued care at regular intervals.

*An initial low vision examination will typically be 1-1 ½ hours.

Following the low vision examination, Andersen Eye Associates has many low vision aids that patients may try on a trial basis.

Flipper
The innovative design of this rotating camera makes reading, writing and viewing magnified images easy. The Flipper connects to any TV or monitor in seconds. It provides distance, intermediate and near viewing. Images can be magnified in full color with auto-focus up to 24 times (distance). Ideal for classrooms and hobbies.

Merlin
The Merlin is the most advanced desktop model available. It features a full-color display with auto-focus, four display modes, dial magnification up to 66x and extra large working area. Enables a patient to read, write, work and enjoy hobbies. Merlin is also affordably priced.

The Max
The most powerful, affordable and compact hand-held digital magnifier. Connects to any TV or computer. Magnify type or photos up to 28x using dial control. Available in black and white or full color with auto-focus.

JORDY
Two systems in one. Light-weight, portable device that makes it easy to see again. It is battery operated and features a full-color display with auto-focus, a wide field of view and up to 30x magnification. JORDY is designed for people with active lifestyles. See near, far and any distance in between. Enjoy a movie, work more productively and more.

Handy Magnifiers
Why strain your eyes when you don't have to? With a hand-held reading magnifier, you can relax and enjoy reading.

Illuminated Magnifiers
The correct lighting directly impacts your ability to see. When it's dark outside, or on cloudy days, you can brighten what you see with an illuminated magnifier.

Binocular Telescopes
Would you like to watch TV again but glasses are just not enough? Consult the Andersen Low Vision Specialist, who can have special glasses made for you that include an integrated telescope.

Also available are telescopes for driving, reading telescopes and bifocal microscopes.

Click here to schedule an exam. Please email us at vision@anderseneye.com for more information.