NeuroOptometric Evaluation and Rehabilitation
Low Vision Evaluation and Treatment
Padula Institute News Releases
Vision Resources:
- Learn to See Program
- for Patients
- for Educators
- for Clinicians
- for the Elderly
- for learning disabilities
- large print website
- other language versions available
How vision relates to Learning Disabilities
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P A D U L A I N S T I T U T E O F V I S I O N R E H A B I L I T A T I O N |
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Low Vision
Examinations William V. Padula, O.D., FAAO, FNORA Vision impairments can occur in any age group including children to senior citizens. Vision impairments can be caused by macular degeneration (the primary cause of blindness in the United States), cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve degeneration, and a variety of other problems. It can render the person dependent on others to read, write, walk safely, read price tags, and medicine bottle labels. A person with a vision impairment may not be able to see and recognize faces of friends or family across the room. It can cause frustration, anxiety, and depression. |
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When other medical or surgical treatment cannot provide any further improvement, or when medical or surgical treatment must delayed, a low vision examination Is recommended. The low vision examination is an in depth evaluation of the person's functional use of their remaining vision. The purpose of this evaluation is to prescribe optical and non-optical aids to maximize use of the person's residual vision. |
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| Optical aids vary in type from simple magnifiers to more sophisticated spectacle mounted telescopes for seeing at distance; microscopes mounted in glasses for reading; and even closed circuit televisions that can magnify print up to 100 times, enabling the person to read again.
There are literally thousands of types of optical aids and powers of optical aids. Coupled with the wide variety in types and extent of vision impairments, it is necessary to perform a special low vision examination to analyze where the best residual vision is and what is the specific type of optical aid that will best help the person meet their visual needs. Through low vision rehabilitation, the person's independence is increased and reestablished. When determined necessary, medical consultation and services will be recommended. Also, appropriate training in use of optical aids as well as follow-up services will be recommended based on individual needs. Frequently, blind spots or visual field losses will interfere with balance and posture. Special expanded field prisms can be prescribed to enhance the person's awareness of their visual field on the affected side. Also, optometric therapy programs are provided and recommended in our office based on individual needs. |
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Types of Individuals Affected: |
| Macular Degeneration | |
| Glaucoma | |
| Cataracts | |
| Retinitis Pigmentosa | |
| Other Conditions of vision impairment | |
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