FOCUS ON LOW VISION

Opticians & Low Vision

How you can help fill what’s often a big void in patients’ lives

there’s a lot of controversy over who’s qualified to do what in low vision. But, one fact is undeniable: the needs of many patients aren’t being met.

If you’re an optician, how many times has a patient come in and asked if you have a magnifier? This can be frustrating if you haven’t joined the ranks of those serving what is definitely a growing segment of our population—patients experiencing challenges associated with low vision.

People who have some form of vision impairment (or their caregivers) can find a magnifier almost as easily as a pair of off-the-shelf reading glasses. But those of us who decide to get into low vision have a responsibility to do more…a whole lot more.

LEARNING CUES

Sure, opticians can dispense magnifiers and other aids. But that shouldn’t be our first step. There’s no question that those of us who don’t have M.D. or O.D. after our names should not be making diagnoses. But, we can help in other ways, the most important of which is learning cues that indicate a need for directing patients to a low vision specialist before attempting to help them with a vision aid.

The very first question asked of all walk-ins should be, “Have you had your eyes examined recently?” Their answer can make a profound difference in the outcome. Anyone who has been in the low vision arena will tell you that the number-one response to that question from someone suffering from low vision is, “Yes, but the doctor said nothing more can be done.”

Sometimes that is all the doctor tells them. Often, however, patients leave out (or maybe didn’t fully understand) the rest of the conversation in which that doctor also recommended they see a low vision specialist.

SEEING A SPECIALIST

Regardless, discussing this and recommending the patient see a specialist is the critical first step in helping them. I often explain to low vision patients, “You should continue to see your eye doctor to maintain your eye health because you don’t want to lose the vision you have left. But, seeing a low vision specialist is very beneficial before you select a vision aid.”

Here’s why: Instead of starting with a magnifier, a low vision specialist may prescribe glasses with a tint or prism that may help optimize the vision that remains and also help the patient utilize other vision aids more effectively.

As opticians, we can help low vision patients understand that “Nothing more can be done” means nothing will restore normal vision, but that we can work with what they do have. And, that means asking questions.

Your initial questions should be, “What is the predominant vision need right now?” and “What do you most want to do?” Determining and then addressing their primary frustrations or desires will lead to other possibilities.

Whether you start with just a few magnifiers or a huge assortment, the gratification of hearing someone say, “You saved my life!” makes it worth the investment in time and inventory. And don’t forget, these patients have family members who need your vision care services, too.

— Alex Yoho, ABOM