4 Steps to Improve Independence When Living With Visual Impairment

Visual impairment (low vision) may be defined as insufficient vision to do the things a person wants and needs to do.  The loss of vision cannot be corrected by regular glasses, medical treatment, or surgery and can be congenital or the result of disease, and injury. 

Common eye diseases that cause low vision may include macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and inherited retinal disease.  These conditions can cause a permanent loss of central (detailed) vision, as well as a loss of peripheral (side) vision.  People may have difficulty reading the newspaper, paying bills (even with reading glasses), recognizing faces, crossing streets, and seeing small print on their television.

Low vision care (also referred to as Vision Rehabilitation) helps people with low vision function as fully and independently as possible by providing devices, information, and technology. 

Step 1: Get an Eye Exam With an Eye Care Professional

A thorough eye examination is imperative to diagnose the reason for your decrease in vision.  The eye doctor will ensure you:

  • are evaluated for ocular and systemic disease
  • receive proper medical treatment for your eye disease
  • have the best eye glass prescription possible

Due to the underlying eye disease, new glasses cannot restore vision to a level that allows you see detail (small & fine print, faces, etc.) like you did before.  Your eye care professional may refer you to an optometrist specializing in low vision care.  You can also request a referral for low vision rehabilitation, if you are having difficulty performing your daily activities.

Step 2: Discuss With Your Eye Doctor the Need for a Low Vision Evaluation

A low vision exam with an optometrist specializing in low vision care, takes about one to two hours and is different than a typical eye exam. The low vision evaluation will focus on how you function with your remaining vision and find strategies to maximize your remaining vision.

Use the time during your low vision exam to discuss and understand your vision goals and challenges.  For example, improving facial recognition, writing, reading, color identification, and more.  Bring any current glasses, magnifiers, or other low vision devices you use, whether they are helpful or not.

Step 3: Discuss How to Make Reading Easier

A conversation about how to make reading with low vision easier can produce great results. Your low vision specialist can make suggestions on how to improve reading for your specific needs and uses. For instance, a student might require a way to read notes on a whiteboard while in class and you can troubleshoot the challenges around this together.

Basic Modifications for Reading:

  • Increase lighting.
  • Use of increased magnification such as stronger reading glasses, hand-held and stand magnifiers, hand-held and spectacle mounted telescopes, and electronic video magnifiers.
  • Use of auditory and large print accessibility features on your smartphone, tablet and desk-top computers.
  • Use of audiobooks through the National Library of Congress Talking Book program.

Step 4: Discuss How to Improve Quality of Life at Home/Work

Your eye doctor may refer you to a:

  • Certified Vision Rehabilitation Teacher
  • Occupational Therapist who specializes in working with the visually impaired
  • Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

These professionals work with you in your home, community, and workplace to ensure safety and independence.

Obtaining additional strategies and modifications are critical for maintaining independence. Adjustments and organizational practices can make a huge difference. The following techniques are commonly offered, but this is also your chance to troubleshoot any current issues arising at home or work:

  • Improve over-head and task lighting. Consistent lighting at home can reduce the risk of falls and disorganization.
  • Use contrasting colors to help identity steps, railings, knobs, switches, and anything else that is difficult to detect visually.
  • Remove hazards like rugs, cords, bulky furniture, or anything that could cause a fall or injury.
  • Use large print labels and tactile dots to help identify objects, numbers on the oven or microwave, telephone, remote control, and computer keyboard.
  • Create an organizational system to keep track of personal items.
  • Label medications or use a color code system for identifying prescription and over the counter medications.
  • Troubleshoot any challenges that prevent access to a healthy diet high in nutrient dense foods like leafy greens, berries, fish, nuts, and more.

Colorado Resources and Support Services Specific to Blindness/Visual Impairment

National Resources

Scholarship Information

Colorado Low Vision Specialists

Aurora

Kara Hanson, OD, FAAO

720-848-2020

UCH-Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center 1675 Aurora Ct
Aurora, CO 80045

Aurora

David Lewerenz, OD, FAAO

Clinical Diplomate in Low Vision,

American Academy of Optometry

720-848-2020

UCH-Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center 1675 Aurora Ct
Aurora, CO 80045

Aurora

Dr. David Simpson

720-848-2020

UCH-Sue Anschutz Rodgers Eye Center 1675 Aurora Ct
Aurora, CO 80045

Aurora

Shannon Kessler, OD, FAAO

303-283-5386

VA Eastern CO Healthcare System
14400 E Jewell Ave
Denver, CO 80012

Bayfield

Brian Meier, OD

970-884-2020

49 W. Mill Street
Bayfield, CO 81122

Brush

George Hertneky, OD

970-842-5166

212 Cameron St
Brush, CO 80723

Centennial

Eddy Najjar, OD

720-389-8023

7500 South University Blvd., Unit 104
Centennial, CO 80122

Craig

Craig Eckroth, OD

970-824-3488

450 Pershing St., Suite 100
Craig, CO  81625

Colorado Springs

Dr. Gregg Pusateri

719-471-3200

5614 N Union Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Colorado Springs

Margaret “Molly” Dixon, OD, FAAO

719-599-2020

320 E. Fontanero, #201
Colorado Springs, CO  80907

Fort Collins

Deanna Alexander, OD, FAAO

970-221-4811

702 W Drake Rd, Bldg B
Ft. Collins, CO 80526

Glenwood Springs

Jennifer Zwelling, OD, FAAO

970-945-2020

Valley Vision  904 Pitkin Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Lakewood

Dale Lervick, OD, FAAO

303-233-7575

7586 W Jewell Ave # 104
Lakewood, CO 80232

Lakewood

Kirk Matoba, OD

303-988-2777

200 N. Union Blvd
Lakewood, CO 80228

Lakewood

Neuro-Sight Vision Care – Drs. Jarvis, Politzer, and Chonka

303-989-2020

333 S Allison Pkwy # 120, Lakewood, CO 802226

Lakewood

Meredith Schneider, OD

720-793-0487

Denver Vision Inc1535 S Kipling Pkwy Unit CLakewood, CO 80232-6258

Lakewood

Dr. Alex Zemke

303-238-9900

2290 Kipling St Unit 1
Lakewood, CO 80215

Steamboat Springs

Craig Eckroth, OD

970-879-2020

365 Anglers Dr Suite A
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Eye fact

Infants should have their first
comprehensive eye exam at 6-12 months of age, then at age 3 & 5 and after every year.

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