Page 12 - Envision March-April 2020

Cover Story

L O W V ISION P A T IEN T S NEED Y OU
LV AIDS A BOON FOR THE VISUALLY
IMPAIRED
Devices for people coping with low vision
challenges have improved dramatically in
The
FACTS portable electronic magnifiers, wearable
recent years. The latest technology includes
devices, apps and built-in smartphones and
tablet accessibility options. These devices
allow ECPs to help their patients live better,
more independent lives.

ABOUT LOW VISION The growth in LV devices during the
past decade also presents a challenge for
ECPs, says Dr. Kirsten North, consultant,
Professional Practice and Health Policy,
Canadian Association of Optometrists.
What is Low Vision? shown to double the risk of
According to the Canadian falls, triple the risk of depression “The assistive technology field moves fast
Association of Optometrists and quadruple the risk of hip and staying current is the greatest challenge
(CAO), low vision is a loss fracture. People with low vision facing those who work with LV patients.”
of eyesight that cannot be also tend to have lower incomes
sufficiently improved with and employment rates due to The makers of low vision aids can help you
conventional glasses, contact their disability. keep up with technological developments,
lenses, or medical and surgical says Dr. Morris Sher. He suggests practitioners
interventions. What do Low Vision Patients invite company reps to demonstrate their
products, inquire about their most popular
What Causes Low Vision? Need from ECPs? devices and test them out.
A variety of disorders that affect • A Comprehensive Eye
the eye and visual system may Examination Here are some new offerings in the field of low vision
cause low vision, including Since many conditions can cause assistive technology:
birth defects, injuries and aging. low vision, it’s important to Nominated for a 2019 Silmo d’Or award in
Age-related macular degeneration conduct a comprehensive eye the Low Vision category, the Vario Digital
(AMD) is the most common examination. This could include FHD is a foldable desktop video magnifier
cause; others include diabetic a brief reading test, patient from Eschenbach Optik. The device
retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma education and the dispensing of provides magnification from 1.3x to 45x and
and optic nerve damage. simple, low-powered LV devices. offers multiple viewing options. It features
a 15.6” LCD monitor that provides a full
Minimal training is needed to
How Many People Have Low provide this level of care. high-definition, and folds down to just five
Vision? inches high for easy transport and storage.
About 1.5 million Canadians • Support The Vario Digital FHD features Dynamic
identified themselves as having It can be frustrating and Line Scrolling, which allows users to zoom
sight loss in the 2017 emotionally challenging for in on reading material, then scroll across
Canadian Survey on Disabilities; someone to lose part of their the screen instead of moving the reading
a further 5.59 million had an eye vision, and practitioners need to material. A remote control allows users
disease that could cause sight be empathetic and understanding, to control several features, and the mirror
loss. After age 40, the incidence says Dr. George Papadakis. mode facilitates selfcare tasks (applying
of vision loss doubles roughly “People with vision loss makeup, moustache trimming, etc.).
every decade because the risk commonly fear they will go
of vision-impairing conditions Images can be captured and stored on a
such as cataract and AMD rises completely blind. Often, nobody removable 8GB SD card and viewed either on
exponentially with age. Statistics has explained their condition the device’s monitor or a computer monitor.
Canada says that by 2026, 20 and their options to them.” In addition, the Vario Digital FHD has the
per cent of Canadians will be • Answers capability of distance viewing when used
seniors; thus, the incidence of Some ECPs tell their patients with an optional external camera.
LV is likely to rise significantly. that “nothing can be done”
How Does Low Vision Impact for them, when assistance is
People’s Lives? available, whether through
Low vision makes it difficult to the use of visual aids, adaptive
accomplish everyday tasks such technology, or counselling. The
as reading, writing, shopping, challenge is finding out what
watching TV, driving a car or services are available and how to
recognizing faces. It has been access them.

/ ESCHENBACH VARIO DIGITAL FHD /
10 / MARCH — APRIL 2020 / www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca /