Low Vision
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Accomplish More Even With Poor Eyesight

The Alaska Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired can help you get the most out of the eyesight you have remaining. If you have an eye disease, some of which affect people as the grow older, you may have heard from the doctor, "There's nothing I can do to improve this." But there may be a lot you can do to function better with the sight you still have.

To learn more, call the Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired for a low vision assessment. The center conducts comprehensive assessments to determine what devices or services can best help you accomplish your vision goals. You may be surpised how much you can still do.

student using vision aid

The low vision assessment is now covered by Medicare. For those not yet 65, other funding may cover the cost.

Have you visited your eye doctor in within the last year? If you answer "yes" to this question, you are qualified for a low vision assessment at the Center. If not, the Center will wait to schedule your appointment until you have seen your doctor to ensure that your eye condition is being monitored and treated.

Take this quiz to see if a low vision assessment may be right for you:

  • Do you have trouble reading or seeing your watch even with your glasses on?
  • Does sunlight or glare bother your eyes?
  • Are faces blurry to you?
  • Are you having trouble with crafts or other activities you enjoy doing?
  • Is TV hard for you to see?
  • Have you found yourself bumping into people or objects?
  • Are you having more trouble telling the difference between colors?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then our low vision services may be helpful for you. These services include a comprehensive assessment as well as recommendations for and training in the use of life-enhancing devices to maximize your remaining sight.

During a Low Vision Assessment, you will receive a comprehensive appraisal of your vision, talk with the Low Vision Therapist about specific problems you are having, try out a variety of optical and non-optical aids such as magnifiers, telescopes, sun lenses, writing guides, etc.; and receive recommendations about specific devices and/or techniques that will best help you to use your remaining vision as fully as possible to meet your lifestyle goals.

To make an appointment, contact our Center to a time that is convenient for you. We will indicate what you will need to bring to this appointment so that our professional staff may assist you in selecting the appropriate solutions for your unique visual needs.