Maybe the mail has turned into a chore. Maybe faces across the dinner table have started to blur, or you’ve set aside a hobby you used to love. If that sounds familiar, a low vision visit may help.
It’s natural to wonder what that visit actually involves. Here’s how it works at Chadwick Low Vision Center.
It Starts With What You Want to Do
We build everything around what you want to do. While your primary eye doctor focuses on your eye health, we help you find ways to continue doing the things you love. That could be reading a recipe, sewing with a grandchild, watching the game, or getting around your neighborhood with more confidence.
Our Process
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Before your visit
Intake
Before your visit, we learn what you want to get back to and build on what your doctor has already found, so we understand your eyes and your goals from day one.
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Before your visit
Plan
We map out the right approach and handle paperwork ahead of time, so your appointment is spent on you, not on forms.
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At your visit
Appointment
We test real solutions on the exact tasks that frustrate you, then train you to use them with confidence.
Your visit is with one of our optometrists, Dr. Erin Kenny or Dr. Dayna Luckey, who both completed residencies in low vision rehabilitation.
What You Might Try
No two people use their vision in quite the same way, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Depending on your goals, we may explore:
- Magnifiers, lenses, and other tools that help bring mail, books, and close-up tasks back into focus
- Telescopic aids that bring signs, faces, and screens clearly into view
- Therapeutic filters and task lighting that cut glare, ease eye fatigue, and improve contrast
- Bioptic telescopes and other tools to help you navigate the road safely
- Writing guides and other simple tools built for low vision
Everything is hands-on. You’ll hold the magnifier, look through the lens, and read your own mail with it before you decide anything.
What to Bring
- The thing that frustrates you. A book, sheet music, a hobby or craft. If it’s part of your day, bring it along.
- Your current glasses and visual aids, including the ones that aren’t working.
- Your eye doctor’s name, so we can build on what they’ve already found.
- A family member or friend, if you’d like another set of ears.
Common Questions
How long does the first visit take?
Plan on about 90 minutes to 2 hours. We take our time: we’ll talk through what’s been difficult, test solutions on the tasks you brought, and practice with the ones that work, so you leave knowing how to use them. Because we handle paperwork before your visit, that time is spent on you.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can book directly. We do ask that you’ve seen an eye doctor in the past year. They look after the health of your eyes, and we focus on how you use your vision day to day. If you don’t have an eye doctor, call us at (484) 232-8810 and we’ll recommend one we work with.
Will my insurance cover it?
We accept Medicare for low vision and neuro vision evaluations. We don’t take vision insurance or other medical plans, and we offer self-pay options. See Payment Options for everything we accept.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. Many people bring a family member or friend, and it often helps to have another person hear the options and help with practice at home.
What happens after the visit?
Depending on what you need, you may leave with a tool that day, or we may order custom eyewear from our lab and schedule a follow-up to fit it and practice together.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Navigating vision changes can be overwhelming. Together with your eye doctor, we provide the dedicated time, expertise, and hands-on training you need to move forward with confidence. Learn more about Low Vision Optometry.
Low Vision Optometry
Bring Us the Task That’s Gotten Harder
Reading the mail, seeing faces, watching TV, getting around. Our low vision optometrists will test magnifiers, telescopes, filters, and lighting on the things you want to do, then show you how to use what works.
Optometry appointments are required. A family member or friend is always welcome to come along.
