New Bioptic Telescopic Glasses Help Long Time Low Vision Patient

New Bioptic Telescopic Glasses Help Long Time Low Vision Patient

Ben Webb came to me seeking help with his vision. He had suffered retinal detachments in both eyes as a result of a childhood accident. Ben had been using bioptic telescopic glasses for a number of years and was hoping that newer technology would give him improved vision compared to his present bioptics. There is no usable vision in Ben's right eye and even the left eye has a significant vision loss. After a thorough low vision evaluation I prescribed a 2.2X wide angle bioptic telescope for Ben's left eye.
On the day that he received the glasses Ben and I went outdoors so he could see how they were going to help. He told me "Everything looks clear. This is going to help."
Several weeks later Ben wrote:
"Dear Dr. Armstrong,
The glasses that I received from you are absolutely amazing. I can see so much more and read things like signs on the Interstate.
Thank you very much for helping me get more sight back.
Ben Webb"
Ben has worn the low vision telescopic glasses on a 14 hour trip from his home in Southwest Virginia to New England and reports that he is seeing well. He has never seen well enough to drive but says "I can see to do anything that I want to except for driving. These glasses are definitely worth the money."
As I do with all of my low vision patients, I spoke with Ben on the phone before scheduling his appointment. From the phone interview I was sure that I would be able to help him. I do not schedule low vision evaluations for persons who I do not feel that I can help.