Page 11 - Envision March-April 2020

Cover Story

L O W V ISION P A T IEN T S NEED Y OU

“ You might assume that

someone with 20/50
vision doesn’t need
low vision care.
In fact, these patients
are often struggling
and can do
well with
“
some form of
assistance.

“This increasingly underserviced area know much about them and when a lens Never assume that your patients will tell
of eye care can be a very rewarding and can’t help, they often say there’s nothing you about their low vision problems,
growing segment of your practice. Low more they can do.” he adds. “Just as patients with dry eye
vision patients are among the most loyal disease may not realize they have a
and appreciative in my practice, and And while low vision technology may problem until asked, the same is
it’s professionally rewarding to find seem intimidating, it’s well within an sometimes true for low vision patients.
innovative solutions that help them ECP’s scope of understanding, he adds. We need to ask them about it.”
remain independent.” “Reps from low vision companies are
happy to discuss the devices that would Low vision patients are generally
It’s important for patients to understand be useful in your office. You can also take underserved, in part because there is
that an ECP cannot “fix” their eyes so continuing education courses to learn a widespread lack of awareness about
they can see as well as they did before the more.” services that can help them use their
pathology arose, says Dr. Sher. “Rather, remaining vision effectively. That’s why
the ECP will work with their remaining Counselling is an essential part of it’s crucial that ECPs do a quality-of-life
vision to help them function better.” working with LV patients, says Dr. survey for any patient they think
might be at risk for low vision, says
Often, that involves the use of low vision George Papadakis, an optometrist with Dr. Papadakis.
devices (see sidebar). Dr. Sher refers Finch Avenue Optometry and Low
people to Vision Loss Rehabilitation Vision Centre in Toronto, ON. “You might assume that someone with
Canada (see below) for high-tech devices 20/50 vision doesn’t need low vision
like computer systems but sells “In many cases, patients are surprised to care. In fact, these patients are often
lower-tech devices through his practice. hear that their disease will not leave them struggling and can do well with some
completely blind. One of their greatest form of assistance. It’s also easier for a
“Many tools are available to help needs is appropriate care and counselling patient to start getting used to low vision
maximize a person’s remaining vision. about their condition and how to deal aids early, rather than waiting until their
Unfortunately, most ECPs probably don’t with it. Empathy is key.” condition worsens.”

/ www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca / MARCH — APRIL 2020 / 9