Why Does A Low Vision Optometrist Focus On Goals?

Published on

April 17, 2022

Understanding people's struggles is vital to enabling the patient to have the most meaningful improvement to their vision. A person with impaired vision who still wishes to drive can talk to their eye doctor about getting a telescope that might work and which they can use to drive if their vision is at least within the limits of the state. Enabling them to regain something that had significantly impaired their independence. When a patient undergoes a low vision evaluation, it is the low vision optometrists job to explain that while they may not be able to see clearly with regular glasses, that does not mean that they are unable to regain visual function in a way that allows them to do many of the tasks that they no longer are able to achieve. When it comes to driving, which is one of the more common goals of low vision patients, they oftentimes can use more specialized devices to get the vision required to drive. Even though these enhancements may not be the perfect pair of glasses that people always strive for, they can actually increase their independence to a point where they can do things on their own. Recognizing the limitations of the vision and then enhancing the vision that they have is also part of it.

Why can’t one pair of glasses solve every problem?

Each low vision device is optimized for a specific situation because of the way optics work. A pair of low vision reading glasses will help with reading but are not maximizing the patient's vision for other tasks like driving. While a pair of bioptic telescopes will help with driving, they will not help with reading. This is because the optics are designed for a specific focal distance and magnification, meaning that they will enable the patient to achieve major improvements to their daily functional vision for a specific use case. While many patients come in thinking that there is one pair of glasses that will fix everything, it is the low vision optometrist's job to explain that for someone with vision loss, there is no one magic solution, but there are great solutions that will enable them to achieve specific vision goals.

What can be done if you are struggling with vision loss?

It can be problematic for someone who has a problem with their vision. Their self-esteem can be affected if they struggle so much with something they used to be able to do without a thought in the past. Their interaction with others might also be affected. A low vision examination is crucial to let your eye doctor know your struggles, because they want to help, and as a rehabilitation service, they work on those goals to enable you to regain the independence and enjoyment from the tasks and goals that were no longer available to you after vision loss. It may not be perfect vision but it would be enough for the patient to allow them to do what they love and want to do without seeking assistance from others.

Call our office in Bellflower at (562) 925-6591 to schedule a low vision evaluation today.

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.