Q: Dr. Jacobi, my usual eye doctor said she could no longer improve my vision with regular eyeglasses or surgery, but I still struggle with everything from driving to reading. I have been told I have “low vision". What does that mean, and what could I hope for from a low vision evaluation? - Mabel M.


A: The first step is to determine how much actual vision or usable vision you have. In addition, we need to identify your needs. I find most patients who are struggling with poor vision due to various eye diseases still have very usable vision when they are given the right eyewear.

One of the first things I ask my patients is what they would like to accomplish with improved sight. I ask about activities they have given up due to their visual limitations. The only limitation for the solution is usually the motivation of the patient, as they come to terms with a permanent, lowered visual status. However, this is often the best time to see a low vision specialist such as myself, because the sooner you get the right eyewear, life will be easier.

During the first appointment, I spend one hour with each patient in order to pinpoint the best optical solutions (beyond regular eyeglasses). Next I will show you what it would look like with the vision restored by the new eyewear, so you can determine if that will work for you. In other words, the patient will experience exactly how they will see with their prescribed devices before they leave the office.


ABOUT BEYOND LOW VISION

For more than 35 years, John P. Jacobi, OD, FCOVD, FIALVS has been helping partially sighted people get their lives back. Dr. Jacobi is a Fellow of the Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association. He is a member of American Optometric Association (AOA), the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA), and a Fellow in the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists.

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