Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation Low Vision, Mobile, AL

AIDS AND DEVICES
Operation of Clinic
CSVR is run in much the same way as any Doctors office.
Patients are seen on referral by a Doctor, state agency or may be self-referred. Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and almost all other insurers are accepted. Uninsured or underinsure patients will be seen and evaluated on the usual basis. Individual arrangements will be made and an attempt to help them obtain funding and assistance.

First visit to our Clinic
Patients will be seen by appointment only. No drop-in visits will be accepted. The patient, their caregiver or agency, or a medical practitioner will make an appointment for an initial evaluation by one of the medical doctors or optometrists (M.D./O.D.) on the staff. The appointment will be scheduled in a timely and efficient manner.
Patients are encouraged to have a family member or friend with them during the initial visit. Any glasses or magnifiers that are used should be brought to the clinic on the initial visit. If any particular piece of written material or task is a problem, a sample could be brought along (See Contact Us link)

Anatomy of the Eye

The Cornea:
This is a very thin, clear structure, allowing light to get into the eye and focusing it through the pupil onto the lens. In some people it is irregular or cone-shaped , notfocusing light correctly. Glasses or surgery such as LASIX may be required to correct this.

The Lens:
The lens of the eye is just behind the pupil. It collects light and focuses it on the macular part of the retina. It is normally a clear crystalline structure. In cataract formation, it begins to get cloudy and does not let the light through.

The Retina
The retina, which senses light rays, is a thin lining on the back of the eye. The macula, which is affected in macular degeneration, is a very small spot in the center of the retina. It is here that the ability to read, identify small and distant objects and other tasks requiring good vision is located.
Diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration are the most common conditions affecting the retina and macula.

The Optic Nerve:
The optic nerve transmits the image from the retina to the brain where the image is processed. If the nerve is not normal or is damaged, the image may be distorted, incomplete or even absent. This is usually called optic neuritis or neuropathy, and may be from a variety of conditions. Glaucoma , by raising the pressure inside the eye, affects the small nerve fibers in the eye. Multiple sclerosis affects the nerve after it leaves the eye, and stroke may stop the processing of the image by the brain.

Devices, aids and magnifiers
Many aids, devices and magnifiers are available. Indeed, there are so many that it is important that the person with low vision have a complete evaluation by a low vision specialist to determine which is best suited for that individual. If a person just buys a magnifier, they will usually buy the wrong one. It may be too weak, to strong, or not the right type. Therefore we insist on a full evaluation (see initial visit) before selling any de devices .
Simple non- optical devices:
Some very simple devices may help make life easier for people with low vision. Better lighting, improved contrast, avoiding clutter and simple markers may be more helpful than expensive magnifiers.
These are measuring cups, available at any store. Using the white cup for measuring dark liquids or ingredients (as, coffee or a dark dressing) and the black cup for light colored (as, milk, chopped onions,etc.) will help in the kitchen.