Issue 43.16
Dr. Shaun Larsen a member of The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) discusses the advantages and disadvantages of special glasses for people with vision loss. Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy and other causes of vision loss may be helped with telescope glasses.
“I love that I can see detail of the mountains and the trees from our porch again! I’m able to see the writing on the TV and small print close up with my telescopes prescribed by Dr. Larsen” says Ann Curtis.
Dr. Larsen one of 32 members of IALVS speaks frankly about telescope glasses for low vision:
- What are Telescope Glasses for Low Vision?
Dr. Larsen: They are miniature binoculars mounted into an eyeglass frame.
- Are they Prescription?
Dr. Larsen: Yes the telescope glasses I use have the patients RX built in. They are made with surgical quality lenses.
- What are the benefits?
Dr. Larsen: Telescope glasses magnify a portion of your field of view to help you identify what you’re looking at.
- What tasks are telescope glasses for?
Dr. Larsen: Reading signs and seeing traffic lights when driving, watching television, seeing faces, playing cards, enjoying sporting events & theater, and even reading a newspaper. Most states allow the use of bioptic telescopes for safer driving. Utah does not.
- Are they difficult to use?
Dr. Larsen: Not when they are prescribed and fit by an expert. Only a doctor is licensed to prescribe the type of telescopic glasses I use.
- Are there disadvantages?
Dr. Larsen: Absolutely. They can be a bit heavy on the nose and aren’t always cosmetically appealing. There are many colors and styles available however.
They start at $1800 which is less than most hearing aids.
- What about the small field of view people talk about?
Dr. Larsen: Telescopic glasses are not for everyone nor for every task. The patient must be evaluated carefully by an experienced low vision Optometrist. The necessary level of vision and task requested must match. The patient must successfully use a trial prescription telescope in the office before the glasses are ordered.
- How long will they last?
Dr. Larsen: Because no one can predict when vision will change there is NO charge for any changes to the glasses for one year from the time they are dispensed.
Dr. Larsen has offices in Northern and southern Utah. Call for a free telephone consultation.
Email: DrShaunLarsen@yahoo.com
Website: LarsenLowVision.com Phone: 800-509-4491.