Low Vision Checklist
Guide for Optometrists Examining Visually Impaired Patients
www.optometry-evolution.com www.visionaid.co.uk
Patient Background Ocular condition Other health problems
Home situation Hobbies and activities Employment Education Main areas of difficulty Current Support
Visual Assessment and Refraction Distance and near visual assessment with optimized spectacle prescription Increased near addition for reading when appropriate. Consider prism if add >6.00D
Magnifiers Magnifying power = Actual near acuity / Desired near acuity Higher the power, smaller the field of view, and shorter working distance Handheld illuminated (LED) and non-illuminated over a range of powers (X2 to around X 11) Stand magnifiers illuminated (LED) and non illuminated over a large range around X2 to X14 Hands free options – clip-on, chest magnifier, prismatic spectacles
Electronic Aids Portable video magnifier for tasks outside of the home and workplace, to provide increased contrast and varied magnification levels Desktop video magnifier devices for longer documents, providing increased contrast, variable magnification with potential audio output for those who require larger text or become tired reading longer portions of text Reading machines/recognition equipment to quickly read printed documents back to the user, some can also identify people and objects Lighting – appropriate use of ‘daylight quality’ lighting for the required tasks
Support Partial sighted and blind registration as appropriate RNIB, Macular Society, War Blind and other supporting charities Local visual impairment societies and support groups Guide Dogs UK and other mobility/navigational training Access to work and education