Low vision aids include specialist hand held magnifiers and head worn spectacles as well as electronic aids for enlarging print, and document and screen readers
An Optometric assessment is a building block of low vision care and from this it can be decided on the type of aids which may be of benefit, and if the patient would benefit from referral to any other clinic or professional.
Even patients with poor sight require a regular examination to monitor their condition, screen for any other eye problem and ensure spectacles are optimal. These assessments are available from Low Vision Aid Clinics at your local Hospital Eye Clinic (where some aids are provided free). Referrals to these clinics can be made via your Optician, GP Hospital Eye Clinics or County Sensory Rehabilitation Officer. Additionally within East Suffolk, there are two private Optometrists who also provide a full Low Vision Aid Clinic Service. They are:
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Derek Dunstone (Optometrist) 3 Queen St, Hadleigh, IP7 5DZ |
01473 823755 |
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Alex Gaines (Optometrist) 77 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AH |
01394 382718 |
Most partially sighted people also benefit from additional lighting. County Sensory Rehabilitation Officers can offer lighting assessments in your home. They can advise on appropriate general lighting levels as well as looking at safety in specific task areas e.g. kitchen, stairs and bathroom. They can also advise on colour contrast, reading techniques and using low vision aids.
Electronic aids for enlarging print and other tools such as document readers and screen readers are available for demonstration at the Equipment and Information Centres, whose contact details are given on that page.