Center for Vision Loss

What is the Association Between Vision Loss and Quality of Life?

VisionAware (www.visionaware.org) reported recently that there is new research available indicating that patients are not referred for low vision services in a timely and efficient manner. This statement came from a major new study from the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Halth Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and was presented at the November, 2014 American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting.

If you have vision which can no longer be corrected with medical treatment, surgery or prescription lenses, you have low vision. This is not the same as being blind, however. It does mean that doing daily tasks become more difficult. You might not be able to read, cook, shop, write out you checks, watch television or thread a needle without assistance. Certainly indivdiuals newly-diagnosed with low vision may respond with anger or depression because a diagnosis of low vision also means a loss of independence. In addition, visual impairment and health-related issues often go hand-in-hand for adults 65 or older.

The Center for Vision Loss, the region's only community benefit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with vision loss, wants you to know that we can help. We provide programs and services including social services, lifeskills education, support groups, socialization activities, escorted transportation with a sighted guide and low vision services. Dr. Anthony Silvetti, OD, Low Vision Specialist, directs our Low Vision Clinics in both our Lehigh Valley and Monroe County Offices. Dr. Silvetti can provide a special low vision examination and also introduce you to aids and assistive technology which can enhance your remaining vision and allow you to perform tasks to improve your level of independence.

So why don't doctors refer their patients with low vision to low vision specialists and/or agencies like Center for Visiion Loss in a more timely fashion? The researchers found that there is a discrepancy among practitioners regarding the actual definition of "low vision." Some professionals rely strictly on the acuity-based definition of low vision as 20/70 or worse in the better eye with correction. Others seem to prefer relying on a quality of life or daily level of functioning defnition. Regardless of definition, individuals with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cararacts and macular degeneration-the age-related eye diseases-would definitely benefit from low vision therapy as early as possible.

The Center for Vision Loss does not want any individual with low vision to get into a situation where they neglect their overall health because they can't function well. While it is recommended that the eye care professionals work towards a more standardized definition of low vision, the Center for Vision Loss continues to remind our local providers that our agency is a logical referral for their patients. We are pleased to report that many are already on board with us and make referrals.

If you are experiencing low vision, or know someone who is, and have not been referred to the Center for Vision Loss, call us at 610-433-6018 in the Lehigh Valley and 570-992-7787 in Monroe County. Our social services team will explain our services and programs to you. We provide free assistance for all but our escorted transportation with a sighted guide program which requires a nominal fee per trip. Or you can check us out at www.centerforvisionloss.org or information@centerforvisionloss.org.