Dr. Bruce Gustafson heads our low vision clinic.

The term "low vision" refers to decreased vision due to specific eye diseases that cannot be corrected by ordinary glasses, contacts, medicine or surgery. A person with low vision may find it difficult to accomplish such activities as reading, writing, cooking, watching television or recognizing faces.

Most people develop low vision because of eye diseases and health conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Though there is yet no cure, a variety of low vision services and devices can help. These include magnifiers, telescopic glasses, lenses that filter light, reading prisms, closed circuit TVs and telescopes. These devices can help the partially sighted maintain a good quality of life by restoring visual independence.

Care may begin with eye exams and a low vision evaluation to assess the patient's visual function. After the diagnosis treatment may include a prescription for devises like those mentioned above, a program of vision rehabilitation, and training on how to use devices as well as new ways to complete everyday tasks. There may not be a cure, but there is help.