Can We Help?
The first step to determine how, or if we can help your particular case is to call an IALVS doctor in your area. The doctor will return your call within a few days and conduct a FREE telephone consultation to determine if you are a candidate for IALVS Low Vision Care. If you are a candidate, the doctor in your area will schedule you for a Low Vision Evaluation.
Basically what we do is this:
We find out the amount of vision the patient has by performing a low vision evaluation. It is not anything like a regular eye exam:
We use special charts and techniques to "draw out" any residual vision that may be "hiding" in the periphery. We find out the amount of vision needed to do the task desired with very specific questions and demonstrations.
We figure out the best magnification device that allows the person to do the task by having many unique demonstrators in the office.
The patient actually uses various magnification devices to do the actual task in the office. The patient actually chooses the best device for them.
We do not order any low vision device unless we prove that it works in the office first.
Magnifying Eyeglasses combine a correction for the patient’s refractive error with the amount of magnification needed. How close the material must be held depends upon the amount of magnification. During the Low Vision Evaluation, we teach patients how to hold material at the proper distance for the magnifying lens prescribed.
Binoculars placed into eyeglass frames are called Telescopic Spectacles. They can be monocular (one eye) or binocular. The telescope can be placed in various positions depending on what the vision needs are:
"Bi-optic" Position When the telescope is mounted on top, the user can switch between the regular lens and the magnified lens. In special cases, these can be used for DRIVING, to "zoom" in on signs or objects. Some people use them at concerts, plays, lectures and during church to see faces better. The "bi-optic" can be used for walking/mobility type activities.
"Full Diameter" Position With the telescopes centered in the frame, a larger magnified area is viewed. This is useful for watching television, for seeing a play or a movie or whenever a wider field of view is desired.
Telescope Spectacles cost ranges from $1500 to $3000. The average cost is about $2500 which includes measuring, fitting, adjusting, and instruction in use.
Magnifiers are task specific. Handheld magnifiers are useful for seeing prices, labels, dials, phone books, reading mail, menus, and similar items. Stand magnifiers are useful when the hands are unsteady, for coin collecting, stamp collecting, reading a bill and writing a check. If you have a unique task that you wish to be able to perform, please let us help you find the correct magnifier.
Glare Control and Proper Illumination are two closely related and important factors in using residual vision. In the Low Vision Evaluation, we determine the most effective means of reducing glare for the patient and the proper amount and type of illumination required.
Filters of various colors and transmissions are used for glare control and to optimize vision under specific lighting conditions for specific tasks.
When strong illumination is required a gooseneck floor or table lamp is recommended. Bringing the light source closer is more effective than increasing the bulb strength. A 50 watt bulb at 12 inches from the page is much brighter than a 300 watt bulb 3 feet from the page and produces less heat.
Electronic Visual Aids make use of a zoom television camera to magnify your materials onto a television screen. There are different ways of doing this but all use the same principles. When you buy the system, you can have the camera positioned in a number of different ways, depending on your needs.
