PATIENT PERSPECTIVE

a patient's View

by Lynne W. Kinnan, MA

By the time I'd struggled through childhood and college, I had seen a total of five eye doctors. They all told me the same thing—nothing could be done.

Then, as a young adult, I heard about something called a low vision specialist on the radio. Going to this appointment changed my life. It was like a new world had opened up to me.

After consulting with a retina specialist, I was diagnosed with cone dysfunction (Vitro Tapeto Retinal Dystrophy). It has been described to me as a tiny hole in my retina, which affects my central vision.

Through the years, I have visited with 11 eye doctors. Based on these experiences, I've written some suggestions for maintaining a positive focus when it comes to presenting devices to your low vision patients.

1. Be honest: Don't paint the world with rose-colored glasses. It is better to tell it like it is so there are realistic expectations.

2. Understand the challenge: Understand that you are probably the only person in a visually impaired person's life who understands the daily frustrations the patient is experiencing. That is a big burden to bear. Take the time to understand and listen to the patient.

3. Provide empathy: Don't provide sympathy, but do offer empathy. Listen and understand what your patients are telling you, but don't take on their problems. Not only does it not help the situation, but it can also create burnout for both you and your staff.

4. Have patience: If you think it is difficult to have patience during their exam, just imagine how much patience it takes to deal on a daily basis with being visually impaired. Each patient needs to feel heard, valued, and safe coming in for an appointment.

5.Take pride: Take pride in knowing how much of an impact you have in improving a patient's life. Not just from the standpoint of being able to provide the best solutions with their daily struggles, but that there is finally someone they can go to who has the ability to understand like no other healthcare professional has done in the past. It is a huge relief to finally have someone listen, understand, and work with you to find the best solutions.

6. Discuss activities: Understand the patient's daily activities so you know the best tools to creating a more positive living experience for them. What is most difficult or frustrating for them?

7. Small steps: Make the most of what they have. The patient may be able to read one line better with new lenses. That may not seem significant to you, but when one has limited resources, every little bit matters

8. Offer options: Discuss options dealing with distance, reading, and computers. For example, if a patient could benefit from a telescopic lens, be sure to provide all of the options with regard to brands. If a patient can read one line better with a new prescription, provide the option of changing lenses and let it be their choice.

9. Provide samples: Generally for a new patient, most of the information regarding these devices is their first exposure. They may not be familiar with terms such as a telescopic lens, an electronic reading machine, or portable reading enhancers. It is helpful to have a display of the different styles and brands. The patient should also be able to spend some time getting acclimated to the different options to determine which best fits their needs.