Low Vision

Many people are surprised to learn that 90% of those who are legally blind have some useful vision.

In an effort to help these people use the remaining useful vision Dr. Thompson offers low vision services. If you have been told that your eye glasses won’t improve your vision, it is possible that magnification and contrast enhancement can improve your ability to perform the tasks that you may struggle with.

If you require a low vision exam, be sure to mention this at the time the appointment is booked. Many types of magnifiers, loupes, telescopes, Corning and NOIR contrast enhancement lenses and sunglasses are offered.

Low vision services through the use of low vision aids often maximize the vision of those who have lost sight to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, retinitis pigmentosa, optic nerve atrophy, nystagmus and albinism.

At our office we see not only elderly low vision patients but many infants, toddlers, and school aged children. Dr. Thompson has pursued the study and practice of low vision for both family reasons and his patients. His mother has macular degeneration, and his daughter has albinism. He is currently on the board of directors of NOAH (the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation).

The Ontario Government’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) can offer assistance in covering a significant portion of the cost for most visual aids if your corrected vision is 20/70 or less. Also Veteran’s Affairs may offer funding for the low vision aids and examinations.

When coming in for a low vision assessment we encourage family members to accompany the patient to the appointment and to bring any portable low vision aids to the appointment (even those they may feel do not help anymore). Also bring in all glasses you might use, including any sunglasses or magnifiers. The assessment takes about 1 1/2 hours.