Low Vision Lecture at the University of Virginia

Yesterday I had the interesting experience of lecturing to the optometry and ophthalmology residents at the University of Virginia. The subject was Vision Loss in Retinal Disease. There are 12 young doctors in the program and my goal was to help them understand how impaired vision impacts the lives of people with macular degeneration, Stargardt Disease, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions. I tried to help them understand that reduced vision makes many changes in a person's life. Many times they fear that they are losing their independence.
I shared the functional definition of low vision from the American Foundation for the Blind. "Low vision is uncorrectable vision that interferes with daily activities." In other words, low vision is not enough vision to do what you need to do.
I showed the doctors many types of glasses and other devices that magnify what is seen and help people with low vision function more normally, helping them retain their independence.
I am looking forward to giving another lecture to the UVA optometry and ophthalmology residents early next year.
I am very flattered and humbled that they asked me to help them understand low vision care. It was a great experience.