The Low Vision Evaluation - What to Expect
The doctor will start by reviewing your history, and discussing your goals for the evaluation. He or she will
want to see your current glasses, as well as any magnifying glasses or vision aids you have, even if you do not feel they help you.
The doctor will measure your visual acuity on each eye. In a low vision evaluation, the acuity may be measured on a special chart that has many levels
of acuity, even if you can usually only see the "Big E."
The doctor will then check to see if your vision can be improved at all by changing your eyeglasses. This is called the refraction. This may be done
using an instrument called the phoroptor, or by using a trial frame and loose hand-held lenses. Even if the vision can not be fully corrected, many
low vision patients benefit from an up-to-date eyeglass prescription.
Next, the doctor will do tests to determine the level of magnification that will help you the most, and will ask you to try several magnifiers or other
vision aids. During this part of the evaluation, you will be asked to give feedback (positive and negative) on the different devices you are trying.
This helps the doctor determine which will be most practical for you. The doctor will then be able to recommend low vision aids that will help you accomplish
your specific goals. If low vision devices are prescribed, fitting and training will be performed to teach you how to properly utilize each device.
Some low vision eye wear and devices may be fitted by our staff.
Although the doctor will want to examine the health of your eyes, you will most likely not need to have your eyes dilated or get eye drops at this visit.
You should expect that your low vision evaluation will last approximately 60 to 90 minutes. In some cases, devices can be prescribed at the initial
visit; in other cases, one or more follow up visits may be required.
Our doctors will report their findings to your original doctor. If other reports are needed, please advise us.
