Low Vision Therapy

Serving Baltimore, Lutherville and Towson, Maryland

Low Vision Therapy addresses the needs of patients with reduced vision that cannot be corrected by surgery, medications or regular eyeglasses. The low vision examination allows the patient to identify and quantify the specific areas of their life that they feel are affected by their reduced vision. Rehabilitation utilizes low vision devices, orientation instruction, and patient training to give the patient the best use of their available sight to accomplish their lifestyle goals. Through one-on-one training with a low vision specialist, the patient learns to use their vision to their fullest potential.

The Low Vision Exam

A low vision exam differs from a comprehensive eye examination, as it is aimed to address the patient’s needs and expectations with their existing vision. The examination gathers detailed patient and family history data for both ocular and medical conditions. More specifically, the history questionnaire determines any functional problems the patient may have with their current vision, which includes difficulty reading, problems functioning in the kitchen, glare problems, travel vision concerns, workplace performance troubles, television viewing ability, ability to satisfy education requirements, and affects on hobbies and interests.

A visual acuity test is then administered, using unique low vision testing charts. Based upon the patient’s visual acuity and other vision goals, the low vision specialist will then address the patient’s needs using glasses, if applicable, and/or decide which low vision devices are suitable for the patient.

Further evaluation for orientation and mobility, training, or other lifestyle therapy may be recommended. The low vision specialist will refer the patient to the appropriate outlets to receive any additional care that is needed.

Understanding Low Vision Devices

Low vision devices are optical tools that assist the patient in effectively utilizing their vision to improve their quality of life. These devices may include glasses, but also include other task-specific treatment options. The eye care professional will discuss the low vision aids which suit the daily activities and the lifestyle expectations of each patient. The general device categories are listed below:

• Magnifiers: Magnifiers come in two varieties: hand-held magnifiers and spectacle-mounted magnifiers. A hand-held magnifier works like a magnifying glass to aid the patient with reading or near tasks. A spectacle-mounted magnifier (also called a microscope) is fit into a pair of glasses to aid the patient with reading or near tasks.
• Telescopes: Telescopes aid the patient with distance viewing. Telescopes can either be hand held or spectacle-mounted.
• Computer/ Video Magnification: A tabletop or hand held video magnification system enlarges reading material onto a video screen. Also, computer software programs work to increase text size, contrast, color or brightness depending on the needs of the patient.
• Activities of Daily Living training: This category is not available in your eye care professional’s office, but rather through various state and non-profit associations. These programs teach the low vision patient orientation and mobility, as well as lifestyle and job adaptations. It is common for these groups to assist patients with the modification of their homes, so daily living becomes manageable with their existing vision.

Additional Resources

• Blind Industries and Services of Maryland Blind Industries and Services of Maryland provides innovative rehabilitation services, training and stable employment opportunities to our state's citizens who are blind or visually impaired.
• Maryland State Division of Rehabilitation Services Office for Blindness and Vision Services The Office for Blindness & Vision Services (OBVS) oversees programs and services for individuals whose primary disability is vision loss. OBVS includes rehabilitation counselors, rehabilitation technologists, case managers and rehabilitation teachers with specialized training in issues of importance to people who are blind, visually impaired or deafblind. They assist people in designing and carrying out plans for employment and independent living.

Our Low Vision Specialist

Dr. Lauren Gormley leads the Katzen Low Vision Services division. She works closely with both the optometric and ophthalmologic teams to manage the needs of their low vision patients, and she provides comprehensive optometric eye examinations to patients of all ages. Dr. Gormley is a member of the American Optometric Association’s Vision Rehabilitation section. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation.