What is Low Vision?
Low Vision is a term used to refer to a visual impairment of 20/70 vision or worse that is not correctable through medical or surgical procedures, pharmaceuticals, glasses or contact lenses. Low Vision is often characterized by partial sight, such as blurred vision, blind spots, or tunnel vision making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. It can impact people of all ages but is primarily associated with older adults. Low Vision can be caused by age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, or retinitis pigmentosa. It is important to understand your vitreoretinal specialist may recommend Low Vision care in conjunction with other medical or surgical retinal treatments depending on your condition.
Low Vision Providers in Colorado
Below is a list of licensed optometrists and occupational therapists who have acquired specialty low-vision training. During a consultation with a low vision specialist, you will receive a comprehensive eye evaluation to assess your remaining vision. Your specialist will provide you individualized targeted treatment and rehabilitation plans to assist you in navigating everyday challenges and help you maintain your independence over time. Low vision specialists can also recommend and train you in the proper use of assistive devices and aids and provide mobility and orientation training to help maximize your vision and ensure your safety. In some cases, providers may suggest home visits to deliver, set up, and adjust equipment and train you to use it optimally.
Cade Oost, OD
Phone: 720-848-2020
Practice: UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center
Address: 1675 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO 80045
WebsiteKara Hanson, OD, FAAO
Phone: 720-848-2020
Practice: UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center
Address: 1675 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO 80045
Website
Low Vision Mental Health Services
Beth Gustin MA, NCC, LPC, EMDR Certified
Contact info: 303-335-9059 or beth@transitioningthroughchange.com
Services: In-person or teletherapyBio: Beth is blind and knows first-hand the kind of grief that can occur when you have to navigate the world differently. Much like a service dog and handler have a reciprocal relationship and learn from each other, so too is her relationship with her patients. Beth has extensive experience working with clients who are blind and visually impaired and specializes in counseling for those struggling with major life changes, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression. Beth also provides cognitive therapy with meditative practices as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an integrative psychotherapy approach for the treatment of trauma.
Low Vision Resources in Colorado
The Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter network brings people together across the country to join in fighting blinding retinal diseases. Our family of volunteers and leaders stand up for those impacted by blinding diseases. From day one, they share the latest research and advancements, and provide access to local resources to guide individuals through their personal journey. And together, they celebrate the Foundation’s mission.
Website: www.FightBlindness.org
Phone: 1-866-782-7330
Email: chapters@fightingblindness.org
Facebook: fightblindnessdenver
Low Vision Support Groups
If you have been told that you are going to lose sight and wonder how to cope with the flood of emotions and life changes. Ensight Skills Center’s Low Vision Adjustment coaches can help you manage those emotions and provide support as you cultivate new strategies for daily living.
You will take an initial wellbeing assessment to provide information on overall wellness and vision loss adjustment as well as interests and strengths. Then you are paired with your vision loss coach for five to twelve sessions of up to 60 minutes each.
Host: Ensight Skills Center
To sign up call: 970-407-9999
Low Vision Programs, Classes & Events
Beyond Vision hosts a variety of hand-on workshops to boost independence, build daily skills and improve confidence, all while building friendships with low vision peers.
Weekly in-person classes include: Cooking, gardening and baking. *Gardening will be weather dependent.
Date and Time: Wednesday's at 1:00pm MT
Location: In person only at 1675 Range Street, Boulder, CO 80301Sign up: For more information, to request an accommodation, or to sign up for a class, please contact: Natalie at natalie@cpwd.org or call (303) 442-8662 x236.
For a list of other low vision events, support, groups and programs, visit the The Center for People With Disabilities website at: peer support group calendar
Low Vision Aids & Assistive Devices
Enhanced Vision offers an extensive line of low vision aids and electronic magnifiers to help you regain visual independence by providing the ability to read, write, see loved ones, or enjoy the outdoors.
Audible Books
The Kindle app allows users to read eBooks on their iPhone with features like text magnification and screen brightness adjustments, offering accessibility for people with low vision. The app is free to download from Apple App Store or Google Play. eBooks are purchased directly through Amazon.
Software for Text-to-Speech
A powerful screen reader for Windows that converts text on a screen into speech or braille, enabling visually impaired users to interact with computers. Can be purchased through the Freedom Scientific website. Prices vary by version.
Smartphone Applications
A free app developed by Microsoft that narrates the world around you by describing text, objects, people, and scenes through your phone's camera. Available for download on the Apple App Store for iPhone users.
Low Vision Lighting
• Task lighting is lighting that is used for close up work such as reading or sewing
• When looking for a light look for one that has an adjustable gooseneck and a telescoping height
• Use a light 8-12 inches away from your task, and below your eye level to avoid glare
• If you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you need 4x as much light
• Moving a light 2x closer = 4x more light
• When writing or working on projects, place the light on the opposite side of the dominant hand to reduce shadows
• LED Daylight bulbs (4,000-5,000K) are best for task lighting
• LED bulbs are recommended
• Avoid using daylight bulbs all over the house as this will cause fatigue
• Avoid lights and glare from windows when working on the computer or tables will wash out screens
• Other good places to add light is underneath cabinets, outside on stairs, in closets, etc.
