Low Vision: the Next Frontier

Loosely defined, low vision is the reduced sharpness of eyesight or a narrowing of the visual field. A person is said to have low vision when glasses, contact lenses, or surgery are ineffective or unavailable as a complete remedy. The condition can arise from any number of sources such as birth defect, disease, and the ageing process. Both children and adults can suffer from low vision, but seniors are especially susceptible. In the United States an estimated 1.5 million people have a condition called Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). As our population ages this number is expected to increase. Incredibly, only a small fraction of people diagnosed with low vision benefit, in a meaningful way, from rehabilitation, product advice, or adequate follow-up care. This is clearly a population that has been underserved.

Solutions to Keep Life’s Quality

Las Vegas is home to the only center in Nevada that specializes in assisting people with partial sight, and the only husband and wife team of its kind in the country. Low Vision Services Inc. was founded by Nevada’s only board certified vision therapist, Sandy Yesnick. “We came up with the idea for the center by putting ourselves in the patient's position. Visually disabled people need more than products; they need solutions that allow them to remain independent and to continue enjoying their favorite activities. That's why we brought together in a single center the complete range of related professions and put together our multi-disciplinary approach. Our goal is to make sure that our patients achieve the absolute best results possible.”

Every effort has been made to facilitate access to the center, from the color of the walls to lighting and furniture design. The center assesses the patient's needs and their remaining visual capabilities on-site before showing them how to make the best of their sight in order to help them remain independent as long as possible. Patients are not merely exposed to a world of innovative solutions; they are carefully matched with the product that best meets their needs and taught to make the best use of that product with ample follow-up care. As Dr. David Yesnick makes clear, "Our emphasis is placed on the rehabilitation service and the on-going care offered to each patient."

The experts at Low Vision Services Inc. have built a reputation for solid professionalism by offering the kind of friendly, thorough, personalized attention their patients deserve.

The products and services offered are covered by Medicare, and all major credit cards are accepted. To reach Low Vision Services Inc. with questions or to make an appointment call: (702) 966-2020. For more information visit: www.LowVisionServices.com.

by: Ken O. Sullivan, visually impaired author