Appointment Preparation

Congratulations on scheduling your low vision examination! Taking this step is crucial for improving your ability to make the most of your remaining vision. This letter is designed to help you understand how you can support your doctors as they guide you through the process of adapting to vision loss.

It’s important to keep in mind that while vision restoration isn't possible, low vision care is a rehabilitation journey. The goal is to enhance your quality of life through specialized techniques and devices that help you function better with the vision you have left. Here are some common approaches that can help:

1. Optimizing Remaining Vision – You will learn eye movement strategies to help you use your existing vision more effectively.

2. Adopting New Methods – These may include using improved lighting, auditory cues, or other sensory techniques to perform everyday tasks.

3. Special Optical Devices – Magnifiers, wearable glasses with strong magnification, telescopes, and electronic devices designed to enlarge text can all help improve detail recognition. While these tools may require you to hold materials closer or view only a small portion of what you're reading at a time, the benefits often outweigh these limitations.

The team is here to guide you through each of these steps, helping you live a fuller, more independent life with the tools and techniques that best suit your needs.

PREPARING FOR THE APPOINTMENT

To make the most of your low vision examination, it’s helpful to reflect on the specific challenges you're facing at home, work, or in recreational activities due to vision loss. Consider issues with tasks like reading, watching television, getting around, playing cards, sewing, knitting, woodworking, or other hobbies. While some activities may not be fully addressed by available solutions, sharing these difficulties with your doctor will allow them to better understand your needs.

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Think about what you wish to see more clearly and set realistic goals for your vision. Writing down the areas where you're experiencing problems and your desired outcomes will be beneficial. If writing is difficult, feel free to ask someone for help in documenting these details.

Please be prepared for a potentially lengthy examination, typically lasting one to two hours. To ensure the best experience, schedule your appointment when your vision feels at its clearest, and consider your medication and meal times.