Low Vision

Low vision is a loss of vision that cannot be improved with regular glasses or contact lenses and interferes with everyday function and performance. Often, vision impairments are caused by age-related diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. This vision loss can be devastating, particularly for seniors who fear losing their independence.

Fortunately, vision for any age group can often be enhanced through the use of magnifiers, telescopes, special lighting, and low vision devices. Consulting Optical stocks a wide variety of these vision aids, including products from Eschenbach Optik. To view these products and learn more about low vision, visit www.Eschenbach.com.

For more information about low vision, lighting and simple, inexpensive ways to adapt your home to accommodate your vision difficulties, visit www.VisionAware.org.

Low Vision Consultation

Jannie Shapiro, M.Ed., low vision consultant, is available to assess patients’ low vision needs at our Farmington and Glastonbury locations. Ms. Shapiro holds a Masters Degree in special education for the visually impaired and is licensed as an optician in the state of Connecticut. Prior to working at Consulting Optical, Ms. Shapiro coordinated a low vision clinic that serviced visually impaired patients and managed an optical shop in an ophthalmology practice in New Haven, CT. Ms. Shapiro was the low vision instructor for 16 years at Middlesex Community College in the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing program.

A low vision consultation will allow us to determine if we can help you to effectively use your remaining vision with the help of magnifying vision aids and other devices. It is important to bring any eyeglasses, sunglasses or magnifying glasses that you are presently using. In addition, if you have specific tasks that you are having difficulty with due to your visual condition, please bring the “tools” of that task with you to the appointment. For instance, if you are having difficulty with cross-stitching, bring the needles, the pattern, the thread and the directions with you.

The cost of the consultation is $40.00. This fee is not covered by any insurance.

If you have any questions about this service prior to the appointment, you can call Jannie Shapiro at 860-678-8878. To schedule the appointment, please call our appointment line at 860-678-0202.