The Free Telephone Consultation

   Many of my low vision patients read about me on the internet or in my newspaper ads.  They take me up on my offer of a free telephone consultation and they give me a call.  Often they leave a message and when I call them back myself they are surprised.  The free telephone consultation is what I do. Talking with the person gives me a chance to ask questions about their remaining vision, explain the low vision evaluation, the glasses and answer their questions.  It's important to me to prepare the patient for the low vision visit and for me to get an understanding of their vision.  If I do not feel that I will be able to help I tell them.  I only schedule patients who I think I can help.  I do not want to take someone's time and money and then disappoint them.

   I had a call this week that illustrates the value of the free telephone consultation.  A lady was referred to me by her optometrist.  I spoke with the doctor and got a copy of the records.  She seemed like someone who I could help.  Then I called her.  Almost immediately she told me that she wanted me to prescribe field expanding glasses so she could drive.  She said that she has tunnel vision with only about 10 degrees of visual field remaining.  I had to explain to her that Virginia does not allow people to drive with field expanding glasses..  No state would allow someone with that small a visual field to drive.

   The phone call resulted in my understanding of her visual problem and her goal (driving).  I was able to immediately tell her that she that low vision glasses will not make her eligible to drive.  I hated to disappoint her but at least she did not drive 40 or 50 miles for an appointment and then hear that she's not eligible.

   If you would like to talk with me and learn if low vision glasses will help you see better and meet your goals, call me.  There is no charge for the call or for the phone consultation with me.  Call me at 1 866 321-2030.