Spectacles and Low Vision Devices

Some people may have had spectacles or low vision devices suggested or prescribed.

Spectacles

Was treatment or follow up testing recommended when vision was tested? Has the treatment been given?

Are spectacles normally used? When should they be used - all the time, or for special purposes (near or distance tasks)?

If glasses were lost or broken, find out how new ones can be obtained.

Low Vision Devices

There are two types of low vision devices, those for near tasks and those for distance. You can read more about these in the Optical Devices Chapter

If low vision devices are available, has the person ever tried or used them? Not all people are helped by low vision devices so they need to be assessed to find if they will help.

Is a low vision device used for near or distance tasks, or both? Would a low vision device be used for:

• near tasks such as looking at small, detailed objects, reading or craft activities
• distance tasks such as finding people, objects or for assistance with mobility?

Suggestions/ Actions
Spectacles or glasses can improve vision to normal for some people. Many people with low vision wear spectacles but their vision cannot be made normal. The spectacles may make things look clearer but vision is still impaired.

For some people the spectacles are needed only for close work, for others only for distance vision (but usually spectacles need to be worn for all activities).

People who wear spectacles should have their eyes checked every two years. The power of the lenses may need to be changed.

The lenses in the spectacles can be scratched or easily broken. Spectacles need special care:

• clean the lenses every day
• wash and wipe dry or wipe clean with a soft cloth
• when the spectacles are not being worn put them in a safe place
• do not lay spectacles on their lenses as the lenses can be scratched

Low vision devices are sometimes not used because they look so different; the person may be shy or not want to look different from other people.

Low vision devices require a lot of time and practice to learn to use. It can be difficult to find things and then to scan the objects, the environment or to read. Like spectacles, low vision devices need special care because they can be scratched and easily broken.

The chapter Optical Devices more information on low vision devices

Checkpoint:

The two types of low vision devices are for _______ and _______ tasks

List some possible uses of near low vision devices