MICHAEL CALLISON WITH BIOPTIC TELESCOPES |
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Virginia Eye Doctor Helps Legally Blind to See Again
Virginia eye doctor helps those with macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy to keep reading and driving.
By Elena Lombardi
Freelance Writer
Roanoke, Virginia – Just because you have macular degeneration or other eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy doesn’t mean you must give up driving.
Grover Davidson lost his Virginia Driver’s License due to reduced vision from diabetes. He came to Dr. Armstrong, hoping to get help and be allowed to drive again. After a thorough low vision evaluation Dr. Armstrong prescribed bioptic telescopic glasses for driving.
Mr. Davidson learned to use bioptic glasses and took the driving test at the DMV. “They really gave me a thorough test. It lasted almost two hours. I passed the test and got my license back” he reports.
Mr. Davidson says “It’s the most wonderful thing in the world to be able to drive again. I have my life back. I don’t have to depend on anyone if I need to go somewhere. I give the credit to you, Dr. Armstrong. You are the kind of doctor that everyone needs. You really take an interest in your patients.”
Ever look through a pair of field glasses or binoculars? Things look bigger and closer, and much easier to see. Virginia optometrist, Dr. David Armstrong uses miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration or other eye conditions.
“Some of my patients consider us the last stop for people who have vision loss,” said Dr. Armstrong, a low vision optometrist.
Macular Degeneration is the most common eye disease among the senior population. Up to 25% of those over 65 have some degree of degeneration. The macula is a small part of the retina, but it’s the most sensitive and gives us sharp images.
When the macula degenerates, it leaves a blind spot in the center of vision, making it impossible to recognize faces, read a book, or pass the driver’s test.
Experts don’t know what causes macular degeneration. It is known that UV light from the sun is a contributing factor. Other factors are smoking, aging, of course, and improper nutrition. 15 to 20% of the time it is genetic.
There are two types, wet and dry. The wet type involves leaky blood vessels which can be lasered shut. It’s a temporary fix though. Other leaks usually occur. Neither type can be reversed or cured.
“Our job is to figure out everything possible to keep a person functioning,” says Dr. Armstrong.
Michael Callison has had low vision since birth. Over the years the West Virginian has been seen yearly by several doctors in the same eye care practice. They all told him that no help was available. Michael came to Dr. Armstrong asking for help when reading, using his computer and for his work, small engine repair. He also hoped for improvement seeing at a distance.
After a thorough low vision evaluation, Dr. Armstrong determined that Michael’s vision could be helped with all of those things. Glasses with a telemicroscope were prescribed for reading and repairing engines. For distance use, Dr. Armstrong prescribed telescopic glasses. An additional lens over the telescope allows Michael to see well at the computer.
Michael has told Dr. Armstrong that “I really enjoy the low vision glasses. They are a major help when I use the computer or read.”
Like Michael Callison, most low vision patients have seen several other doctors who said that nothing could be done, before they found help from a low vision specialist like Dr. Armstrong.
Rev. Lorenza Otey of Big Island, VA has had low vision for years. He wanted to read and see things at a distance better.
Dr. Armstrong helped him with a pair of microscopic glasses and a pair of bioptic telescopes.
Rev. Otey says his $600 microscopic glasses are: “Just fine. I can read my Bible with them.”
The bioptic telescopes help Rev. Otey see people better and also make watching TV easier.
“Telescopic glasses can cost up to $2,000,” says Dr. Armstrong, “but most end up paying around $1,800 for them.”
Frank Bates of Drakes Branch, VA has macular degeneration. Dr. Armstrong prescribed bioptic telescopic glasses for driving and other distance activities. Mr. Bates wrote to thank Dr. Armstrong, “It was such a blessing when you took me in hand, and got me to see so much better. I went to Farmville today and received my driving permit, thanks so much for making that possible.”
Low vision devices are not always expensive. Some reading glasses cost as little as $350 and some magnifiers under $100. “Every case is different because people have different levels of vision and different desires.”
Dr. Armstrong speaks to every patient by phone before making an appointment. “I try to make sure there is a chance I can help them before having them spend time and money on the one hour low vision evaluation.”
Dr. Armstrong can be reached toll free at: 1-866-321-2030.
www.doctorarmstrong.com
Dr. Armstrong provides low vision care in Roanoke, Harrisonburg, and Richmond, VA. To speak with Dr. Armstrong please call toll free 866-321-2030. |
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WDBJ 7 News
HEALTH CHECK
10/13/2005
(Shannon Young) “Even with her prescription glasses, a local woman couldn’t see well
enough to read or watch TV. She was losing part of her eyesight due to macular degeneration. That is not the case anymore because she’s found something that helps. Joy Sutton joins us now to explain.”
(Joy Sutton) “Shannon, Thelma Hurt is now wearing low vision glasses. Now, this
technology isn’t new but there aren’t many places that offer it, but many patients say it’s given them their life back.
It was because of her new low vision driving glasses that Inga Solonevich was able to
renew her drivers license on her 90th birthday. Thelma Hurt can now see the television again. They’re just 2 of the patients Dr. David Armstrong has been able to help with these special glasses.”
(Mrs. Hurt) “It means everything to you when you’re trying to do something and you
can’t see. It’s terrible. So these are a life saver.”
(Dr. Armstrong) “More than 30% of people over the age of 60 have low vision. In my
practice, which I’ve been doing this for about a year and a half, I’ve probably had somewhere close to 200 patients.”
(Ms. Sutton) “The common causes of low vision include: Macular Degeneration,
Glaucoma, Diabetes, and Inoperable Cataracts.”
(Dr. Armstrong) “The definition of low vision would be that you’re not able to do
something that you really would like to do with your best glasses or contact lenses.”
(Ms. Sutton) “That’s where these glasses may be able to help. They work through
magnification. The ones for distance vision are like wearing a pair of binoculars, and the ones for reading are like looking through a microscope or strong magnifying glass.”
(Mrs. Solonevich) “I am forever grateful for this. It’s completely changed my life.
Because, you know, in my age, I’m only 90, and there are very few things you can do. You can read and listen to music. ”
(Ms. Young) “And if you’d like more information, you can find a link to Dr. David
Armstrong’s website on our webpage at WDBJ7.com.”
(Ms. Sutton) “And Shannon, many people probably want to know how much do these
glasses cost. Well, depending on whether the glasses are for distance or reading, they can range from $350 to $2,000. But Dr. Armstrong says he wants to point out that before he even fits people for these glasses, he always requires a phone consultation.”
(Ms. Young) “And its certainly helped those women. Thanks, Joy.”
Dr. Armstrong provides low vision care in Roanoke, Harrisonburg, and Richmond, VA. To speak with Dr. Armstrong please call toll free 866-321-2030. |
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Local Eye Doctor Offers Hope For Those With Low Vision
Roanoke optometrist, Dr. David L. Armstrong, is well known to area seniors because of his interest in helping persons with low vision problems. Dr. Armstrong understands how difficult life can be for those with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and other conditions resulting in vision loss. He has taken additional training in low vision care and is skilled at helping people with vision loss. While there is no way to restore lost vision, there are ways to make it easier to cope.
“I find it very satisfying”, says Dr. Armstrong, “to be able to help people in this way. It is wonderful to see them brighten up when they are able to see their friend’s face, read signs across the street or read the Bible.”
Low vision can be defined as a visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery, pharmaceuticals, glasses or contact lenses. People with low vision are unable to perform some visual activities with their regular eyeglasses or contact lenses. They are not necessarily legally blind. Symptoms may include trouble reading, cooking, recognizing familiar faces, problems reading street signs or crossing the street. Indoors the lights may seem too dim.
Many older people are forced to give up driving due to vision problems. The resulting loss of independence can be devastating. Luckily for many people, Virginia is one of several states that allow driving with bioptic telescopic glasses. Bioptic glasses have small telescopes in the upper part of the lenses. It’s like wearing a pair of binoculars with your eyeglass prescription in them. The main part of the lens is used for most tasks, including driving, and the telescope is used to spot signs, traffic signals and other things in order to be see them better. Bioptic glasses can also be used to help see people’s faces, watch television, plays, or sporting events, as well as other distance vision tasks. People are often able regain their independence by using bioptic telescopic glasses.
People frequently tell Dr. Armstrong how much they would like to be able to read again. They’d like to read menus, letters from friends, the newspaper or the Bible. Sometimes they have tried hand magnifiers that don’t help enough or are awkward to use. Even if they are able to read with the magnifier it may be so difficult that they give up trying. Microscopic or prismatic glasses may help. These are glasses that magnify up to 8 times if needed. In many cases they improve near vision and allow the low vision patient to read again. Dr. Armstrong has patients who read several hours per day with their microscopic glasses.
Frank W. Bates of Drakes Branch, VA suffers from macular degeneration. Dr. Armstrong prescribed bioptic telescopic glasses to help with driving and other distance activities. Mr. Bates wrote to thank Dr. Armstrong, “It was such a blessing when you took me in hand, and got me to see so much better. I went to Farmville today and received my new driving permit, thanks so very much for making that possible.”
People often tell Dr. Armstrong that they had no idea that these devices were available and that there are doctors who can help them read or drive again, getting back their independence. They have usually been told that nothing can be done to help them.
“The key to success with low vision patients is to interview them by telephone before scheduling an appointment” says Dr. Armstrong. “I always speak with people before accepting them as a patient. By asking the right questions I can usually determine if I can help them. I want to know what their vision allows them to do and what they’d like to be able to do. If I don’t think that I can help I tell them. I don’t want to take someone’s time and money and then disappoint them.”
It is also important to set aside enough time to do a thorough evaluation. It usually takes an hour or more with Dr. Armstrong for the low vision evaluation. “Low vision care is a priority with me. I don’t try to fit these people into a busy schedule. They have special needs that require plenty of time, patience and skill.”
The low vision evaluation is very different than the usual eye examination. Special charts are used to determine the amount of remaining vision. Then the doctor uses various trial microscopic or telescopic lenses to help with reading or distance vision tasks. It is important to know what the patient’s goals are. If they can be helped, what do they want to be able to do? The evaluation can then be directed toward those goals.
If you suffer from low vision and would like to talk with Dr. Armstrong you can call him toll free at 1 866 321-2030. “I would like to talk with you. Just leave me your name and phone number. I promise I’ll call you back.”
Dr. Armstrong provides low vision care in Roanoke, Harrisonburg, and Richmond, VA. To speak with Dr. Armstrong please call toll free 866-321-2030. |
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Dr. David L. Armstrong
Low Vision Optometry
Toll Free - 866-321-2030
Low Vision Information
What is Low Vision?
Low vision does not mean total blindness. Low vision is impaired vision that cannot be sufficiently corrected with conventional eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery to allow you to do what you want to do. People with low vision often have a great deal of usable vision. The proper optical devices can maximize their remaining vision, allowing them to perform the tasks that they want to do.
People with low vision may experience loss of central vision, reduced peripheral vision, overall blur or a combination of these effects. Common causes of low vision are macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes and inoperable cataracts.
How can Low Vision be helped?
A low vision specialist, such as Dr. Armstrong, will carefully evaluate you remaining vision and prescribe devices, to help improve your everyday living. Optical and non-optical devices, including magnifying eyeglasses, telescopic eyeglasses, magnifiers, electronic visual aids, glare control and enhancing filters will be considered. The specialist will provide training in the use of the devices which is critical to the successful use of remaining vision.
What is a Low Vision evaluation?
A low vision evaluation is very different from a normal, comprehensive eye examination
1. The amount of remaining vision must be carefully determined using specialized charts that are closer to the patient and have more gradations than the usual projected chart. The patient is instructed to use peripheral vision during the testing since central vision is often damaged.
2. The amount of magnification needed to do the desired tasks must be determined for such activities as driving, reading, computer use, card playing and others.
3. The best form of magnification device will be determined for the patient's various needs. For example: telescopic spectacles for television or driving, microscopic spectacles for reading or sewing, hand magnifiers for reading prices or settings on the stove.
4. Other factors, including lighting, glare, contrast, mobility and others will be considered. The final recommendation may be a combination of devices, each appropriate for a specific use.
How do I arrange for a Low Vision evaluation?
Dr. Armstrong always speaks personally with low vision patients before scheduling an evaluation. He will ask questions designed to determine if low vision devices will be helpful to the patient. If it appears that the patient can be helped, an appointment will be scheduled.
Dr. Armstrong provides low vision care in Roanoke, Harrisonburg, and Richmond, VA. To speak with Dr. Armstrong please call toll free 866-321-2030.
For More Information Visit www.IALVS.com
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