Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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When is it appropriate to see a low vision specialist? (self.Blind)
submitted by Knight_Knave
I have cataracts from Uveitis. Uveitis is a inflammatory condition of the eye, so it makes cataract surgery less straight forward. I basically have to wait to have surgery until the inflammation in my eye is completely controlled.
The cataracts are at the point where I have low vision and are continuously getting worse, but my Ophthalmologist hasn't referred me to work with a low vision specialist. (Really the only guidance I've received is "don't drive".) Is this normal? I can't tell if it's because my impairment is seen as temporary (even though "temporary" could really mean months to years) or if it's because they expect me to ask to see a specialist once I'm having trouble functioning. My vision loss has been gradual enough that I have been able to adapt well enough on my own, but I haven't been educated about tools that might make my life easier.
The cataracts are at the point where I have low vision and are continuously getting worse, but my Ophthalmologist hasn't referred me to work with a low vision specialist. (Really the only guidance I've received is "don't drive".) Is this normal? I can't tell if it's because my impairment is seen as temporary (even though "temporary" could really mean months to years) or if it's because they expect me to ask to see a specialist once I'm having trouble functioning. My vision loss has been gradual enough that I have been able to adapt well enough on my own, but I haven't been educated about tools that might make my life easier.
sarahluvsjoy 1 points 4y ago
I work for a low vision specialist and he always says.... The most frequent comment made by patients who visit a low vision specialist is "Why didn't anyone tell me about this before? It could have been so helpful to me before now."
So, don't wait! There is a group of eye-care professionals (mainly younger ODs) that are actively trying to bridge the gap between Optometrist/Ophthalmologist and low vision specialist because it's the patients that end up feeling uneducated.... Good luck with everything and keep us posted on your progress!
So, don't wait! There is a group of eye-care professionals (mainly younger ODs) that are actively trying to bridge the gap between Optometrist/Ophthalmologist and low vision specialist because it's the patients that end up feeling uneducated.... Good luck with everything and keep us posted on your progress!
SunnyLego 1 points 4y ago
I started seeing a low vision specialist for the exact same reasoning as you, Uveitic cataracts.
Knight_Knave [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Yikes. Have you had a chance to get cataract surgery? Or did it take a while because of the Uveitis?
SunnyLego 1 points 4y ago
Took a year for the one in my left eye to be able to be operated on. Had scar tissue grow back 3 times so far.
estj317 1 points 4y ago
Yeah, don’t be afraid to ask, I am not sure if that’s the doctors job. See if there is a local blind organization and see what they can help with. Sometimes they have free classes on using the computer with assistive technology or independent living.
Vocational rehab may not be useful if you’re gainfully employed. They’re not someone that will just hand you equipment because. VR is more for employment. If you’re a student they can help you out. If you need to find a job they’ll help you out.
Vocational rehab may not be useful if you’re gainfully employed. They’re not someone that will just hand you equipment because. VR is more for employment. If you’re a student they can help you out. If you need to find a job they’ll help you out.
Knight_Knave [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Thanks so much! Yeah, I don't need vocational rehab. Just more day-to-day and assistive tech education.
estj317 1 points 4y ago
Yeah, I wasn’t sure either, maybe after that training and you feel like you need help than reach out to vr.
pokersnek 1 points 4y ago
It is appropriate whenever you are having trouble doing daily tasks.
If you live in the US, contact your state’s department of rehabilitation. Every state has a division dedicated to blind rehabilitation. They can get you services, tools, possibly equipment and college funding.
If you live in the US, contact your state’s department of rehabilitation. Every state has a division dedicated to blind rehabilitation. They can get you services, tools, possibly equipment and college funding.
Knight_Knave [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Great, thanks so much for the resource!
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