Low vision is the term used to describe reduced eyesight – either blurred vision (usually 20/70 or worse) or an incomplete field of view – that cannot be fully corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or eye surgery. The primary causes of low vision are eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. But low vision also can be inherited or caused by an eye or brain injury.

Thankfully, in many cases, people with impaired vision can be helped by low vision devices, which include eyeglass-mounted magnifiers, handheld magnifiers and telescopes, stand-alone magnifiers,electronic magnifiers and close circuit televisions. There are many ingenious low vision devices,filters and strategies that can help visually-impaired individuals get the most out of their remaining sight.

Dr. Gorlin has been trained by world renown low vision specialists at the Lighthouse International headquarters in New York City and has attended Envision 2009 in San Antonio, the only multi-disciplinary low vision conference in the USA to keep up with the latest research and technology.She is a member of the Low Vision Rehabilitation Section of the American Optometric Association and is also active in the Georgia Optometric Low Vision Council. She would be happy to schedule an appointment to review special low vision aids and techniques to help make you more independent. Remember to bring all your current magnifiers and aids with you to your first appointment!

Here she is visiting with Kenneth Bradley, president of Eschenbach Optik, an international supplier of low vision spectacles, magnifiers & telescopes.