Frequently Asked Questions
A low vision rehabilitation exam is a detailed eye exam that is different from a regular eye exam. It starts by listening to your concerns and understanding your functional, social, medical, and eye history. The exam can involve the use of some testing methods that will help us learn about your visual capabilities, how you use your vision, and how you function with your vision. During the exam, we explore your goals, understand you as a person, and learn how your visual condition has impacted you and your life. All the while, we aim to communicate and educate you about your condition every step of the way. Finally, we will work together to tailor a management plan for you moving forward.
I strongly believe that early intervention for a visually impaired patient is key. A patient can have “good vision” on an eye chart but still complains of a problem reading or doing daily tasks. We consider a person’s overall visual function, not just clarity.
I encourage you to bring someone with you to your low vision rehabilitation exam. A family member or friend can be helpful to listen to or even provide moral support. Our exam time together can vary. It is not like a normal eye exam. An initial low vision rehabilitation evaluation averages between 60 to 90 minutes. Allow time for paperwork.
During the exam, bring examples of your goals. Some patients have found it nice to bring samples of current reading materials or hobbies to show me what the struggles or goals may be.
The approach and goals of a low vision rehabilitation exam is quite different from a normal eye exam with your outside provider. The focus of the exam is on your function from your vision impairment. There are portions that may seem similar, but the methods in a low vision exam are very different.
No, absolutely not. Blindness is often described when there is a complete loss of vision with no perception of light or movement. Partial sight can still exist even if a person has reduced vision. A person with low vision or vision impairment has partial sight and is not completely blind.
Legal Blindness is defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as 1) having central visual acuity for a distance of 20/200 in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens or 2) a visual field in the better eye, such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends and angle no greater than 20 degrees (continuous with fixation).
Not necessarily. There are many vision conditions that occur which can cause vision impairment. A person can have a condition that can affect them any time in their life. Patients can be born with visual conditions that cause vision impairment.
For someone that is in the workforce, it’s a team approach to care such as resources from your current employer and in the community. There may be resources to assist to keep you employed or seek a new job.
You may be surprised to know there are a lot of new technologies available to students. It is worth exploring together on your needs or adaptations. It’s a team approach to your care. If you have not already spoken with school resources and/or medical providers for any assistance, please let me know how I can help you. My goals are to advocate for your success.
I strongly believe that early intervention for a visually impaired patient is key. A patient can have “good vision” on an eye chart, but still complain of a problem reading or doing a daily task. If you don’t feel that you are functioning well with your level of vision, a low vision rehabilitation exam will help navigate options. We need to consider every aspect of how a patient uses their vision, what they see, how they see, and even more.
Our exam time together can vary. An initial low vision rehabilitation evaluation can be up to 90 minutes. We strongly recommend completing paperwork prior to your arrival or we can assist you upon your arrival (forms are located **). Included in the exam form is a questionnaire to help start you thinking about our exam together.
Bring an open mind.
Bring questions and concerns.
Some patients have found that it is nice to bring samples of current reading materials or hobbies to show me what the struggles or goals may be.
I encourage you to bring someone with you to your low vision rehabilitation exam. A family member or friend can be helpful to listen or even provide moral support.
Feel free to call Dr. Tran if you have questions or concerns about your condition. If your vision impairment is causing you to struggle with school, or work, or driving, or even your daily abilities to take care of yourself or others at home; you may need a visit in my clinic.
No, the results of the exam will most likely not restore your vision to what it was before your vision impairment. As you may understand, some eye conditions that cause vision impairment are irreversible. We will spend the exam time together learning about your vision and maximizing the use of what you have.
Please call our office at 626.683.6868 to make an appointment.
There may be an insurance plan that can cover your low vision rehabilitation exam. Every insurance is different; you will need to provide information to our team and we can assist you.
Insurances may require a referral from your primary care provider or an outside eye doctor. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to call me.