Low Vision Aids in Edmonton

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is a significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It is not the same as complete blindness. People living with low vision retain some usable sight, but everyday tasks like reading, driving, recognizing faces, or navigating unfamiliar spaces can become difficult.

Low vision can affect people of all ages, though it is more common in older adults. If you notice changes in your vision that interfere with daily activities, a low vision consultation can help you explore solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Common Causes of Low Vision

Low vision can result from a range of eye conditions and health issues, including:

Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The most common cause of low vision in adults over 50. AMD damages the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision needed for reading and recognizing faces.

Glaucoma

A group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated eye pressure. Glaucoma typically causes gradual peripheral vision loss that can progress to tunnel vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to blurred vision, dark spots, and eventually significant vision loss if left untreated.

Cataracts

Clouding of the eye's natural lens causes hazy or dimmed vision. While cataract surgery is highly effective, some patients experience residual vision challenges afterward.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

A genetic disorder that gradually breaks down the light-sensitive cells in the retina, often leading to tunnel vision and difficulty seeing in low light.

Stroke-Related Vision Loss

A stroke can damage the visual pathways in the brain, resulting in partial vision loss, blind spots, or difficulty processing visual information even when the eyes are healthy.

Low Vision Aids We Offer in Edmonton

At Eyes Harvest Hills, we partner with industry-leading manufacturers to provide advanced low vision aids that make a real difference in daily life.

Ocutech Bioptic Telescopes: Compact, head-mounted telescopic systems that help with distance tasks like watching TV, recognizing faces, and reading signs. Ocutech bioptics can also enable eligible patients to meet the visual requirements for driving.
Eschenbach Magnifiers and Devices: A comprehensive range of optical and electronic magnification products, including handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers, and illuminated devices designed for reading, hobbies, and everyday tasks.

Types of Low Vision Aids Available

Different types of low vision aids address different visual challenges. During your consultation, we will help determine which aids best match your needs and goals.

Aid Categories

Handheld Optical Magnifiers: Portable lenses for reading labels, menus, and small print on the go.
Stand Magnifiers: Hands-free magnification for extended reading, crafts, or detailed work.
Electronic/Video Magnifiers (CCTV): Digital devices that display enlarged text and images on a screen, with adjustable contrast and magnification levels.
Bioptic Telescopes: Miniature telescopes mounted in eyeglass lenses for distance viewing, including potential use while driving.
Absorptive Tinted Lenses: Specialty filters that reduce glare and enhance contrast, helping with light sensitivity and outdoor visibility.

Compact, head-mounted telescopic systems that help with distance tasks like watching TV, recognizing faces, and reading signs. Ocutech bioptics can also enable eligible patients to meet the visual requirements for driving.

A comprehensive range of optical and electronic magnification products, including handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers, and illuminated devices designed for reading, hobbies, and everyday tasks.

Macular Degeneration and MacuMira™

What to Expect at a Low Vision Consultation

Step 1 - Assessment: We evaluate your current vision, including how your condition affects daily tasks like reading, cooking, and mobility.
Step 2 - Goals: We discuss what activities matter most to you and identify the visual tasks you want to improve.
Step 3 - Device Trials: You try different low vision aids in our clinic so we can find the right fit for your needs and comfort.
Step 4 - Personalized Plan: We create a tailored low vision rehabilitation plan, including recommended devices, training, and follow-up care.

Book a Low Vision Consultation in Edmonton

If you or someone you know is living with low vision, our team at Eyes Harvest Hills is here to help. We offer comprehensive low vision assessments and personalized rehabilitation plans to help you maintain independence and quality of life.

Eyes Harvest Hills
5212 Ellerslie Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 1A4
Phone: 780-468-3405
Email: info@eyesharvesthills.com

Tips for Living Well with Low Vision

Lighting: Use bright, adjustable task lighting for reading and close-up work. Position lights to reduce glare on screens and reflective surfaces.
Contrast and Organization: Use high-contrast colours to mark edges of stairs, countertops, and appliance controls. Keep frequently used items in consistent, easy-to-find locations.
Digital Accessibility Tools: Enable built-in accessibility features on your phone, tablet, or computer, including screen magnification, text-to-speech, and high-contrast display modes.