Sankara Nethralaya
Sankara Nethralaya
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Low Vision Care Clinic

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…
Recognizing faces at distance
Watching TV
Seeing black board (for students)
Reading fine print / writing
Computer tasks / Mobile tasks
Glare problems
Most common conditions seen in the clinic
Congenital cataract / Aphakia
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Albinism
Diabetic retinopathy
Age related macular degeneration
Heredomacular degeneration (eg: Stargardt’s disease)
Glaucoma
Nystagmus
Optic nerve problems (eg: Optic atrophy)
Services provided:
Assessment of difficulty level of the patients in performing day-to-day activities
Vision assessment
Spectacle power check up
Testing with Low vision devices (optical and non-optical)
Color vision assessment
Contrast sensitivity assessment
Field of vision assessment

Available Optical devices:

Devices for distance:

Telescopes:
Monocular telescope (Hand held and Spectacle mounted)
Binocular telescope
SEE TV (Spectacle model telescope)
Bioptics
Devices for near:
Spectacle magnifiers
Stand magnifiers
Hand held magnifiers
Dome magnifiers
Fresnel book magnifiers
Pocket magnifiers
Spectacle Magnifier
Stand Magnifier
Hand Held Magnifier
Dome Magnifier
Fresnel Sheet Magnifier
Pocket Magnifier
Available Non-optical devices:
Notex
Typoscope
Letter writer
Signature guide
Talking watch
Braille slate and style
Braille scale & geometry set
Walking stick
HKSB filters
Clip-on filters
Tinted lenses
Available Assistive devices:
Portable Video magnifier
Mouse Model CCTV
Desktop CCTV
Reader Devices
Available computer softwares (for demonstration):

Reader Software :
1. JAWS
2. Magic

Magnification + Reader Software :
1. MAGIC
2. ZOOM TEXT

Text Scanning Software :
1. OPEN BOOK

Mobile softwares (for demonstration):
KNFB reader
Visual enhancement Techniques:
Head Scanning
Eccentric viewing
Visual tracking skills
Referral done:
Orientation and Mobility Training
Vocational training
Adjustment training (Daily living skills)
Early Intervention for children with Multiple disabilities
Special schooling
Disability certificate
Available guidance (if necessary):
Contrast enhancements:

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

 
 
 
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