Visual Aids and Devices

People with low vision are commonly told “there is nothing more that can be done”, however for most people there are life changing visual aids that will allow them to regain their independence and enjoy many of the tasks that they enjoyed before vision loss. Each person has different needs and navigating the many options can be difficult or overwhelming. Our low vision optometrist can help you find the right devices to match each patient's needs and budget.

What Kinds of Visual Devices Help People with Low Vision?

Low vision can be caused by many conditions including diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and inoperable cataracts. The diagnosis refers to deficits that cannot be corrected with standard measures. People with low vision struggle with daily activities and routine tasks.

It is important to visit a low vision optometrist to help you navigate your way around the wide variety of available devices, in order to find the right devices for your individual needs that match your budget. Visual aids and devices include the following:

Magnifiers: Magnifiers can be standard or attachable to a computer screen. They can be hand-held or mounted. A CCTV is a visual aid device that uses an electronic magnifier.
Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for low vision. LED lights are popular among people with this condition.
Telescopes: These can be handheld or mounted and are used for distance vision.
Hardware: Computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices feature settings that can be modified to enlarge or magnify the screen, and to change color, contrast, and brightness. Additional options include screens to reduce glare or provide magnification, keyboards with large numbers, and using command options in place of a mouse.

Glasses: Low vision glasses include bioptics for long-distance viewing, prismatics for reading, and microscopic versions for close-up work.
CCTV: An electronic magnification technology which projects images on a monitor.
Assistive Technology Devices: These range from voice-recognition to virtual assistance programs like SIRI, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text.
Audio Books: Bookworms may enjoy having works read to them by talented voice actors. Many companies offer audio books in a variety of categories that can be easily accessed online. They may be an enjoyable alternative for low vision readers.
Tints: These can assist with color contrast
High tech devices: Include such devices as OrCam, eSight, and Iris Vision for advanced improvement in visual acuity.
Prisms: These can shift an image from the damaged region of the eye to a new focal point.

If you have low vision, there are many visual aids to assist you with daily activities and to improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with our low vision optometrist who has in depth knowledge and experience in helping people navigate these options.

Hi-Tech Visual Aids For Visual Impairment

The following article addresses a variety of hi-tech visual aids for people with low vision. Our low vision doctor has extensive experience in helping people select the appropriate visual devices for their needs.

Hands-Free Magnification: CCTV

The following article will discuss the benefits of CCTV devices for those with low vision.

Hands-free Telescopes for Low Vision

The following article discusses the wide variety of hands-free telescopic devices that are available for people with low vision, as well as the many benefits of using these devices over hand-held options.

Using a Computer and Phone with Low Vision

This article discusses the problems low vision patients experience when using computers, smartphones, and other digital devices, with suggestions for them on how to improve the use of these devices.

Hands-Free Magnification: Telescopic, Microscopic, and Prismatic Low Vision Glasses

Low vision patients may benefit from hands-free vision devices for improving their quality of life. Such options include the use of microscopic, prismatic, and telescopic glasses.

Visual Aids and Devices

The following article addresses the wide variety of visual aids and equipment that are available today to assist people with low vision. Our Low Vision Optometrist can help you find the right device for you to help you regain visual activity and independence. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

Learn More

Managing macular degeneration: a guide to available resources and support

Macular degeneration can have long-term effects, but with the right treatment and management, it is possible to maintain good vision and a high quality of life.

Coping with vision loss due to macular degeneration

According to the National Eye Institute, macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, affecting more than 10 million Americans

Traveling with Low Vision: Our Low Vision Optometrist's Guide to a Seamless Journey

Traveling can be a positive experience for people with low vision with the right preparation and support.

1 2 3 … 9 Next »

Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.