Learn more about our low vision services
What is Low Vision?
Low vision refers to a permanent reduction in eyesight that cannot be corrected fully with standard glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Individuals with low vision still have usable vision, but they may experience difficulty with everyday visual tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, or navigating through unfamiliar environments.
The type of vision loss can vary. Some people have central vision loss, which causes blurred or missing spots in the middle of their vision. Others experience peripheral vision loss, where side vision is reduced or missing. In some cases, both central and peripheral vision can be affected.
Some common causes for low vision include age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, stroke, and retinitis pigmentosa, among many other conditions.
Low vision affects people differently. With professional support and adaptive devices, individuals with low vision can learn new ways to perform certain activities of daily living independently.
Who Should Schedule a Low Vision Evaluation?
You may benefit from a low vision evaluation if you:
- Have vision loss that interferes with reading, recognizing faces, moving safely around unfamiliar environments, or other daily activities, even while wearing glasses or contact lenses.
- Experience problems with glare, light sensitivity, reduced contrast, or adjusting to changes in lighting.
- Have been advised that medical or surgical options are unexpected to improve your vision and you are looking for ways to make the most of your remaining sight.
If these challenges sound familiar, a comprehensive low vision evaluation can identify adaptive strategies and technologies to help you optimally utilize your remaining sight. Do you think you may have low vision but are unsure? Our team will help consult to determine if a low vision exam is right for you. Click below to schedule an appointment.
What to Expect at a Low Vision Examination
A low vision evaluation differs from a routine eye exam. It is focused on assessing how you use your remaining vision and identifying tools and techniques to improve your visual function.
During a low vision exam, the optometrist will:
- Review your visual goals by understanding what activities matter most to you.
- Perform specialized testing by measuring functional vision, contrast sensitivity, and field of view.
- Demonstrate adaptive devices such as magnifiers, telescopes, high-powered reading lenses, and electronic visual aids.
- Recommend practical solutions like improved lighting, contrast enhancement, and daily living strategies.
- Develop a personalized rehabilitation plan and recommend additional resources if needed.
While low vision cannot be reversed, comprehensive care and personalized rehabilitation strategies can make a meaningful difference in how you live and function. Our goal is to help you use your remaining vision as effectively as possible so you can maintain confidence, safety, and independence in certain aspects of your daily life.
Meet Dr. Hoda Hamed
In addition to primary eye care, Dr. Hamed provides several specialty eye care services:
- Pediatric and infant eye exams, diagnosis and management of pediatric eye conditions.
- Myopia control services aimed at controlling progression.
- Low vision exams for individuals with visual impairments and prescription of low vision devices through the Assistive Devices Program.
- Binocular vision evaluation and management of binocular anomalies.
Dr. Hamed practices in the lively heart of downtown Toronto and she warmly welcomes all patients.
