The Clinic aims to provide the best possible management for persons with low vision.

What is Low vision?

Best corrected visual acuity of 6/18 or less and / or field of vision of 10 degree or less

In simple words…

People who are unable to see objects (say a person’s face) beyond maximum of 3m i.e., 10 feet distance (with their spectacle correction) and / or people those who have side vision difficulty are said to have low vision.

When ordinary eye glasses, contact lenses or intraocular lens implants cannot provide sharp sight, an individual is said to have low vision. Although reduced central or reading vision is common, low vision may also result from decreased side (peripheral) vision, a reduction or loss of clarity of vision, or the eye's inability to properly adjust to light or glare.

The Clinic helps in enhancing the existing potential vision of the patients

Difficulties dealt…

Most common conditions seen in the clinic

Services provided:

Available Optical devices:

Devices for Near:

Telescopes:

I. Monocular telescope (Hand held and Spectacle mounted)		II. Binocular telescope

III. SEE TV (Spectacle model telescope)

Devices for devices:

I. Spectacle magnifiers

II. Stand magnifiers

III. Hand held magnifiers

IV. Dome magnifiers	V. Fresnel book magnifiers

Available Non-optical devices:

I. Notex		II. Typoscope

III. Letter writer	IV. Signature guide	V. Talking watch

VI. Needle threader

Available computer softwares (for demonstration):

Reader software:

Magnification + Reader software:

Text scanning software:

Available Assistive devices:

I. Letter writer	II. Signature guide

III. Portable CCTV (eg: Eye-Q)

Visual enhancement Techniques:

Referral done:

Available guidance (if necessary):

Contrast enhancements:

Poor contrast	Better contrast

Environmental modification to enhance contrast within the patients own living area are suggested so that their environment is suited to their visual limitations.

Independent Living Skills: Skills/techniques so that a person can carry out basic activities of Daily Living more independently in spite of visual impairment are discussed.

Disability Concessions: Details regarding Disability certificate and various concessions offered by the government for visual handicapped are provided. Various Concessions / monetary benefits available are also explained.

Availability of low-interest bank loans for visually impaired are informed

Visually impaired graduates are referred to various associations that help in providing placement for the visually impaired.

Assistive technology: Mobile software available for people with visual impairment are recommended for usage of mobile phones. Similarly there are various computer softwares available so that a person with visual impairment can use the computer independently. Appropriate software/basic computer modifications will be suggested based on the individual’s requirements.

Facilities for students: Students may be unable to perform well in regular school due to visual impairment. Appropriate magnifying devices to help them continue education will be suggested. The best mode of schooling (Regular / Integrated / Inclusive / Special) for the child to function well in spite of visual impairment will be recommended.

Details regarding use of an assistant such as a reader/scribe for students who are unable to perform well in exams due to visual impairment will be discussed.

For Further Information Contact:

Low vision care clinic
Sankara Nethralaya,
18, College Road, Nungambakkam,
Chennai - 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India
Phone: 044-42271519 / 044-28301519.
E-mail: lvc@snmail.org