Reasons to have an exam
FAQ
What to Expect:
A Low Vision Evaluation in the
Department of Vision Rehabilitation
Patients, who have had vision loss, typically see outside doctors or doctors within the Eye Institute. After a diagnosis has been made and all the surgical interventions have been exhausted for the patient’s condition, they are generally referred to the Eye Institute's Vision Rehabilitation Department. Typically these patients have 20/40 vision or worse in their better seeing eye or loss of peripheral vision.
Before their appointment, patients are encouraged to complete a questionnaire regarding their activities of daily living that is critical for tailoring a vision rehabilitation program for the patient. If they cannot see well enough to complete the questionnaire, a family member or friend should help with the forms. Patients are also encouraged to have a family member or a friend attend the appointment with the patient.
First timers to the Vision Rehabilitation Department can expect to spend up to two to three hours in the Vision Rehabilitation Department going through an assessment of their ocular health, as well an assessment for any devices, and training on the use of those devices. We offer full services. We will examine your eyes and tailor a vision rehabilitation device to the specific patient's needs. Each patient is unique and, therefore, the vision rehabilitation program for each patient will be individualized.
The examination will proceed with the patient first being greeted by the technician who will make sure that the patient has filled out all the forms as completely as possible. The technician will begin with some testing of the patient’s vision, and gather information. Next the patient will see the vision rehabilitation doctor who will do an assessment of their eyes, which includes a refraction, an initial assessment of optical devices, magnifiers, or other appropriate devices.
When a device has been selected for an individual, the patient will be introduced to the occupational therapist. The therapist will train him or her on the appropriate device as well as do an assessment of daily living to see if there are any techniques that the patient can use in life. If follow-up is needed it will be scheduled at that time. A letter will be written to your referring doctor to explain what has transpired in the vision rehabilitation assessment.