Living with a visual impairment can be challenging. However, when vision cannot be restored, a lot can be done to enable you to carry out everyday activities. Your usable vision can be maximised through the use of low vision aids, such as magnifiers, telescopes and electronic devices. Compensation strategies can be taught and simple adaptations can make it easier to function independently. Cirta Tooth offers personalised Low Vision assessments to help you reach your full potential in the context of visual impairment.

 

This page contains information about Low Vision assessments with an introduction video, an outline of what happens in an assessment and 'Frequently Asked Questions'. If you want to dive deeper into some of the topics, please click here:

Low Vision Appointments with Cirta Tooth

Cirta Tooth offers face-to-face Low Vision appointments at:

Cameron Optometry

5 St Vincent Street

Edinburgh EH3 6SW

phone 0131 225 2235

www.cameronoptom.com

 

To make enquiries or book an appointment, contact Cirta Tooth:

Low Vision introduction video

Low Vision Assessments

What happens in a Low Vision assessment?

You will receive a short questionnaire prior to your appointment in order to make sure that the Low Vision clinic is the appropriate clinic for assessing and addressing your visual needs and to help in tailoring the assessment to your needs and circumstances.

 

The appointment includes some or all of the following:

- Comprehensive assessment of your visual needs, your current support and your visual difficulties

- Visual function tests

- Provision of specialist low vision aids

- Advice and provision of technology for visual impairment

- Recommendations about reading and viewing strategies, tailored to your specific condition

- Recommendations about other coping strategies and sight substitution techniques

- Support in the process of sight impairment certification and registration, if eligible

- Liaising with sight loss charities and other health care professionals

- Following the assessment, a summary report will be provided on request along with appropriate information sheets which we developed for this clinic

Magnifiers, Telescopes, Screen readers and other Low Vision Aids

Each person with a vision impairment has unique needs in terms of the level of magnification required and the tasks for which the magnifier or low vision aid is required. A low vision assessment by a qualified professional ensures that the optimal magnifier or low vision aid is prescribed.

Filters

Some patients can be very sensitive to bright sunlight, especially in the Autumn. Cirta Tooth has a range of filters, including blue-block shields, to reduce glare and light sensitivity. Some patients experience enhanced contrast with filters

Strategies

An important part of a low vision assessment is recommendation of strategies to overcome visual difficulties and to improve everyday function. Examples are reading, viewing and search strategies. Cirta Tooth also advises about ways to improve the home, school or work environment to make it easier for a person with a vision impairment to function.

Certification and registration for Sight Impairment

Certification for 'Sight Impairment' or 'Severe Sight Impairment' is the responsibility of your consultant ophthalmologist. Cirta Tooth can assist you in the process of certification and registration. You can read more about eligibility criteria for certification and benefits of registration here: https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/navigating-sight-loss/registering-as-sight-impaired/certificate-of-vision-impairment/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Low Vision?

Low vision is when you have visual difficulties, which cannot be solved through the use of spectacles, contact lenses or with medical intervention

Visual impairment can be caused by conditions of the eyes or the brain, or both

In the Low Vision clinic, visual difficulties related to eye conditions are assessed and addressed.

Brain-related visual difficulties are assessed and addressed in a dedicated CVI clinic.

 

What are common causes of vision impairment in children?

Examples of eye conditions causing visual impairment in children are hereditary retinal conditions, ocular albinism, optic atrophy, cataracts, glaucoma, and ocular trauma. 

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the commonest cause of sight impairment in children. We have a dedicated clinic for CVI.

What are common causes of vision impairment in adults?

In adults, the most common eye condition leading to visual impairment is age-related macular degeneration.

Other common causes are diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal and corneal conditions.

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a cause of sight impairment which is often overlooked in adults. We have a dedicated clinic for CVI.

What is the impact of vision impairment?

Visual difficulties present in different ways, depending on the underlying condition and on personal circumstances.

Some people describe their vision as being hazy or distorted, others have trouble seeing in certain parts of their vision, for example in the middle or on the sides.

This can affect their ability to read and write, recognise faces and see details on a smart board or TV.

It can impact their confidence and independence. In children, it can affect their learning and development.

What can be done if my eye condition cannot be cured?

Whilst it may not be possible to restore your vision, a lot can be done to enable you to carry out everyday tasks.

Your usable vision can be maximised through the use of low vision aids, such as magnifiers, telescopes and electronic devices.

Compensation strategies can be taught and simple adaptations can make it easier to function independently.

What happens in a low vision assessment?

Every patient is different and each assessment is tailored to your individual needs and circimstances.

- We explore your visual difficulties and how that impacts on your everyday life.

- We try a range of low vision aids and give advice about strategies to try at home, at school, in the workplace or when you are out and about.

We assess your eligibility for sight impairment certification and support you in the process of applying for registration if appropriate.

- We have a directory of services for adults and children with a visual impairment and share appropriate information, or make appropriate referrals for further support.

- Following the assessment, a summary report will be provided on request.