State-of-the-art center provides tools to help low vision patients live independently

An estimated 2.9 million Americans live with low vision, according to the National Eye Institute. As our population ages, that number is expected to increase to more than 5 million by the year 2030.  

The Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation helps individuals with low vision regain their independence by providing them with adaptive tools and real world training. When combined, these tools and training can help patients navigate their homes and community more efficiently in light of their declining vision.

“The changes we can make for these people are life-changing,” says Kristen Mercado, OTD, OTR/L, occupational therapist at the Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation. “It can mean the difference between living independently at home versus living in a senior home.”

Common causes of low vision

While staff at the center see a wide range of patients, some of the most common causes of low vision patients experience include: 

• Macular degeneration.
• Glaucoma.
• Diabetic retinopathy.
• Stroke or brain injury.

“Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration are progressive diseases,” says Mercado. “Once you lose your vision, there is nothing that can be done to get it back.” 

Before coming to the low vision center, you will need to have a diagnosis from an optometrist or ophthalmologist in the past year. Your doctor can refer you to the center or you can make your own appointment.

Devices and optical instruments

Your visit will begin with an evaluation by John Shepherd, MD, director of the Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation. Dr. Shepherd will work with you to determine what type of vision enhancement devices, visual skills training activities or environmental adaptations will help you meet your goals.

These include:

• Magnifiers in a variety of styles and powers.
• Telescopic devices for magnifying things further away, making it easier to see the television or watch a sporting event.
• Optical character recognition reader that can scan text and read it aloud.
• Computers, tablets and smart phones.
• High-powered magnifiers that use a camera to project a magnified image on a screen to enable you to read, write, sew or perform other hobbies.
• Talking clocks, timers and medical equipment.

Our occupational therapists are available to train you on how to properly use the vision enhancement devices or to help you make environmental adaptations. 

Additionally, the low vision store offers a variety of non-optical items for low vision that can be purchased including large print puzzles, books, calendars, lamps, large number and talking watches, large print check guides and playing cards.

Environmental adaptations

“Sometimes it is necessary to make changes to the home environment so a patient can function and move more freely and safely throughout their home,” says Mercado. “This might include improving lighting, reducing glare from windows or rearranging furniture. If they are having difficulty reading the buttons on their appliances, we can mark oven dials and appliances with brightly colored, raised dots.” 

Visual skills training activities

Occupational therapists can also help you with visual skills training activities. For example, if you have blind spots, they can teach you how to adapt to them so they don’t interfere significantly with your vision.

Medical insurers typically cover the services of the low vision specialist and the occupational therapist but do not cover the cost of optical devices.

“This is the only comprehensive center of its kind in the area that offers interdisciplinary care for people with low vision,” says Mercado. “While we may not be able to improve a patient’s vision, with the appropriate devices, we can improve their ability to use the vision they have so they can do the activities they enjoy most.”