By Lim Yun Chong, IECRC
Low vision is partial visual loss that cannot be corrected by surgery, medication or regular glasses. Some major causes of low vision are diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and severe injury to the eye. Unlike total blindness, most individuals with low vision retain some useful sight. However, affected individuals often find it difficult to accomplish tasks of everyday life such as reading, recognising faces, cooking and driving.
While normal vision cannot be restored, affected individuals can maximise the use of their remaining vision through vision rehabilitation which helps them overcome the challenges of vision loss and restore independence. This includes the use of low vision aids and devices such as magnifiers, telescopes, closed circuit TV (CCTV), tactile markers and audio/large-print books. In addition, visual skills training and adaptive therapies can help maximise function, safety and independence of individuals with low vision.
International Eye Cataract Retina Centre conducted a hands-on training session on low vision aids for its optometrists on 9 May 2017. The training was conducted in the Farrer Park Medical Centre clinic by Mr Patrick Weber from Eschenbach, a world leader which has been providing low vision aids since 1903. The training was a good refresher for the optometrists on the different types of low vision aids available in the market.
