Offering Help To Persons With Diabetic Retinopathy

As I begin this new blog I want to explain how I intend to use it to inform persons suffering vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.  Diabetic eye disease is one of the top 2 or 3 causes of blindness in the United States. In my low vision optometric practice I often see people with this serious eye disease and am well aware of the consequences they face due to their vision loss.  Losing driving priviledges, not being able to read or use a computer and difficulty recognizing friends and family members are just a few of the problems.  The end result of this is often a loss of independance which can be very difficult to accept.

As I add posts to this blog I will be showing real life examples of people who I have helped to function better and to return to some of the important activities that they have given up.  I will give short histories along with quotes from the patients illustrating the problems that they have experienced and how they are able to benefit from the low vision glasses and other devices that I have prescribed for them.

My strategy for helping people with diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other diseases causing vision loss involves several steps:

1. A telephone interview.  I want to be as sure as possible that I will be able to help before I schedule a low vision evaluation.  Call me toll free 866 321-2030.  Leave your name and phone number and I will call you back for a telephone interview at no charge.  I'll ask you a few questions about your vision and your goals.  I will offer you an appointment only if I feel there is a very good possibility that I can help you.  I do not want to take your time and money and then disappoint you.  I'll explain to you what to expect from the low vision evaluation and what the fees may be.
2. A thorough low vision evaluation.  This is very different that a regular, comprehensive eye exam.  You and I will be together for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.  I will not be evaluating the health of your eyes.  Your present eye doctor will continue to do that.  I will evaluate your vision using various devices including telescopic and microscopic glasses.  I will determine the amount of magnification that will help you achieve your goals and also what is the best type of device to help you.  In addition to low vision glasses we consider hand magnifiers and electronic maginfiers.  Each type of device has it's own features and uses and often more than one device is recommended.
3. Providing the low vision devices.  I'll order the low vision glasses or other devices that will help you.  Your eyeglass prescription will be included in any low vision glasses and the special lenses will be manufactured by a laboratory specializing in this type of glasses.  The laboratory has been making these glasses for over 40 years.
4. Upon receipt of the glasses from the laboratory I'll personally verify that they have been properly manufactured to your correct prescription.  Then we will schedule your visit to receive the glasses.
5. Dispensing the special glasses.  I will adjust the glasses to fit you properly.  Then I will verify that you are able to see with them as you did at the evaluation.  I will teach you how to use them and how to get used to them.  I will be sure that you can see the benefit of the glasses.  If you do not feel that they will help you do not have to take them.  You will be given written instructions to take with you.
6. Follow up.  I want you to do well.  If you have any questions as you are getting used to the glasses you may call me toll free.  I will be happy to help and am usually able to do so over the phone, without another visit to the office.

I encourage me to call me for a telephone interview.  I will be happy to speak with you and look forward to your call.  Toll free 866 321-2030