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Vision Rehabilitation Service
The Vision Rehabilitation Service at the
New England Eye Center helps patients with low vision or partial
sight to make full use of their remaining vision at the highest
level possible.
Many eye diseases
and injuries, as well as birth defects,
may cause low vision. The most common
cause is Age Related Macular Degeneration
(ARMD). Since ARMD results in only
central retinal visual loss, leaving
peripheral (side) vision unaffected,
it is often possible to help these
patients make better use of the remaining
side vision. Conversly patinets with
peripheral visual field loss due to
hemianopia or RP can benefit from special
devices developed by Dr. Peli for treating
these conditions.
The Vision Rehabilitation Service provides
a complete low vision evaluation that determines visual function
under various conditions, and assesses the patient’s work or home visual requirements.
The service fits patients, based on the
evaluation results, with one or more visual aids to help him
or her perform various daily activities. The service also provides
instruction and in-office training in the use of a full array
of optical and non-optical aids.
The service also offers:
- a complete selection of advanced electronic visual
aids (television and scanning devices);
- a Pediatric Vision Rehabilitation Program (in collaboration
with our Pediatric Ophthalmology Service) including specialized
low vision evaluation and rehabilitation for children and adolescents;
- a complete consulting service regarding driving rehabilitation
or driving cessations, as needed.
Visual aids cannot cure or reverse partial
sight. Visual aids prescribed and dispensed at the service are
usually aimed at providing magnification. With proper magnification,
many patients can perform tasks that were impossible without
magnification. Other devices serve to expand the peripheral field. Reading & Other Near Vision Aids
The magnification for reading may be provided
by various types of spectacles, ranging from fairly common looking
reading glasses to extremely strong magnification glasses. Magnification
for reading and other near tasks may be provided with a variety
of hand-held magnifiers. The type and strength of the magnifier
prescribed are fitted individually based on the type and severity
of the visual loss and the task to be accomplished. Attention
is given to the patient’s limitation of manual control,
dexterity or posture, which may affect the utility of the aids.
Electronic aids for magnification include
various types of closed circuit TV magnifiers, ranging from the
large, desktop models to small, portable (battery operated) systems.
These devices provide larger magnification (30-60 times) and
therefore afford the visually impaired person flexibility and
comfort in reading.
Illumination and proper use of light sources
are essential for successful use of visual aids. In addition
to providing a number of self-contained illuminated magnifiers,
our service will educate the patients in the selection of home
illumination and adequate use of light in various situations.
Control of light also includes the removal
or reduction of glare. Patients are instructed in glare avoidance
techniques and methods. Full wrap around sunglasses are fitted
and dispensed with needed. Can Visual Aids Help Distance Vision?
Magnification for distance tasks is provided
by use of telescopic aids. The telescopes may be hand-held (used
like a field binocular or opera glasses) or spectacle mounted.
Some of the newer telescopes were developed with special attention
to patient’s concerns
regarding the appearance of the aids and may be quite inconspicuous.
What About Driving?
In Massachusetts, as in many other states,
it is legal for some visually impaired persons to continue to
drive a motor vehicle using spectacle-mounted (bioptic) telescopes.
The Vision Rehabilitation Services does not license patients
for driving. We provide the visual aids, but the Department of
Motor Vehicles has the final say in determining the patient’s qualification for licensure.
Dr. Peli conducts research and develop
visual aids for driving with low vision. He is an author of a
recent book titled, Driving with Confidence:
A Practical Guide to Driving with Low Vision.
Vision
Rehabilitation Doctors
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