Low vision rehabilitation
Duke’s low vision specialists work closely with people who have permanent vision loss that affects their ability to function, their independence, and their quality of life. Our team of doctors, therapists and social workers evaluate your needs in your home, at work, or in the classroom. We recommend therapies and modalities to help you enjoy a full and productive life.
Comprehensive care for your low vision needs
Many tools are available when low vision has affected your ability to perform life’s daily activities, especially those you enjoy. Our team of low vision specialists conducts a thorough evaluation to understand your concerns and assess your visual limitations. We develop a low vision rehabilitation plan that may include a range of therapies, services, and low vision aids. We recommend changes to your living and working environment, and offer rehabilitation strategies to reduce your visual challenges. We also help you emotionally adjust to your condition.
Most third party payers, including Medicare, cover our professional services.
Choose Duke for your low vision rehabilitation because we offer:
- Top-ranked care. U.S News & World Report consistently ranks Duke Eye Center among the nation’s best.
- Team of specialists. You will work with an optometrist who specializes in low vision assessment. Depending on your specific needs, you may also benefit from the services provided by our occupational therapist and certified driving rehabilitation specialist, certified low vision therapist, and licensed clinical social worker. We also work with occupational therapists who provide home-based care in Wake, Durham, and Guildford counties.
- Compassionate, supportive environment. We offer patient support services, including educational materials, low vision rehabilitation resources, and a dedicated social worker to help you and your loved ones minimize the emotional impact of vision loss on your quality of life.
- Comprehensive care. Our full range of services, from a comprehensive evaluation, to training, technology assessments, and on site demonstration of the latest low vision tools, ensure you get the low vision rehabilitation services you need.
- Evaluation and training for implanted devices. We work closely with recipients of new implantable devices, such as the implantable miniature telescope for advanced macular degeneration, and the Argus II for retinitis pigmentosa.
- PATIENT STORYMaintaining Independence with Vision Rehabilitation
"I continue to tell myself, 'Yes I can,' in spite of how I am seeing that particular day." - PATIENT STORYNC's first bionic eye recipient sees for first time in 33 years
“Yes!” he said, seeing a light for the first time since he became blind 30 years ago. “Oh my goodness. Yes!”
LOW VISION REHABILITATION
Services
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Measures reading speed fluency and accuracy; low contrast acuity; your visual potential from corrective lenses and optical devices; visual motor skills efficiency, and ease or difficulty in your ability to perform daily activities. We also measure your visual field for driving and mobility.
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Assesses your abilities and your environment. Our assessments cover your functional mobility, driving ability, lighting needs, computer and technology skills, and potential use of optical devices. We offer training that includes use of computers, hand-held devices, enhanced hand-eye coordination, and proper use of bioptic telescope for driving.
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Depending on your needs, we can demonstrate and train you to use computers, mobile devices, optical character readers, magnifiers for near work, video reading machines, and non-optical devices for cooking and dining, writing, sewing, crafts, money management, color identification, and medication management.