Low Vision - Scarborough Eye Care

What Is Low Vision Rehabilitation?

Low vision is the term used to describe reduced eyesight that cannot be fully corrected with eyeglasses or medical treatment, and affects your ability to do everyday tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Common causes of low vision include eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa. Less commonly, it is caused by an eye or brain injury.

The goal of low vision rehabilitation is to give you the necessary training, support and low vision aids to maximize your remaining vision and regain personal independence. Although your vision cannot be restored, you can live a full and independent life with the right tools that meet your needs and lifestyle.

There are many types of low vision aids. Examples include:

• Optical magnifying devices for distance, intermediate and near
• Electronic magnifiers
• Visual field expanders
• Specialized tints that reduce glare and improve contrast

Referring a patient for a low vision assessment?

Download the referral form.

Preparing for Your Appointment

The low vision rehabilitation process is a very individualized one, customized to your specific goals. Some common visual
problems, even while wearing glasses, are:

• Watching TV
• Reading newspapers, magazines, or books
• Spotting street signs
• Reading price tags, menus, medicine bottles
• Seeing oven dials and settings
• Recognizing faces

What to Expect at Your Appointment

During the initial assessment, the doctor will:

• review your goals and the vision problems that you are experiencing
• perform a variety of tests to determine how your condition impacts your daily tasks
• check your eyeglasses prescription to determine if it is up-to-date
• trial a variety of low vision aids best suited to your goals
• train you on the use of the best low vision aid for you

Please be prepared for the visit lasting about 2.5 hours. A friend or family member is encouraged to accompany you.

Bring the following:

•Any eyeglasses, sunglasses, or magnifying aids that you are presently using
•Examples of tasks that give you difficulty. For example, if you have problems with cross-stitching, bring the needles, pattern, and thread to your appointment. If you have difficulty reading a particular book, bring that book with you.
•Your dental card or statement of social assistance (if you are an Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works recipient)

Appointment Fees

Your visit is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

If you are receiving benefits through certain government programs, you may be eligible to have your appointment
partially or fully covered.

These programs include:

• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Ontario Works
• Assistance to Children with Severe Disabilities
• Veteran’s Affairs of Canada
• First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

To obtain coverage through these programs, it must be preapproved for the day of the appointment. If you need our asistance in obtaining coverage for the examination, please inform us. Private vision care plans may also provide coverage.

Assistive Devices Program