Low Vision Services at Visual Impairment & Blindness Services

Low vision refers to vision loss that can no longer be restored with eye glasses or contact lenses. The agency’s low vision services include the low vision examination, an introduction to adaptive technology, and the InSight Shop which sells products to enhance vision.

Low Vision Examination

A client receiving a low vision exam A low vision examination differs from a conventional eye examination. Conducted by the agency’s associate optometrist, the low vision examination determines how an individual’s remaining sight works in the real world. It is not about correcting or curing vision but about rehabilitation and finding adaptive aids that will help the individual to perform every day tasks more effectively such as reading the newspaper, cooking, seeing faces or taking a walk.

A large percentage of low vision customers are senior citizens. For them, a low vision examination and adaptive technology followed by rehabilitation teaching may make the difference between living independently, rather than with family or in an assisted living facility. Please call 610-866-8049, x. 231 for more information about scheduling a low vision examination.

Adaptive Technology

Adaptive Technology Devices to assist people with low vision range from a simple magnifer to a CCTV (closed circuit television). Our staff believes in the importance of allowing the customer to try each device in a real setting before selecting the most effective one. The agency has a varied stock of items in-house with which to experiment. Determining which device will work best for each task is a team effort of the optometrist and the customer. The doctor will ask questions such as:
how and where will the device be used; does the device need to be portable or can it remain stationary; or what level of magnification is needed to perform the task?

After choosing appropriate devices, the customer needs practice and patience to use them effectively. For example, working with a magnifier or using a monocular telescope is not the same as wearing a pair of glasses. The individual may wish to work with a specialist from the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services for rehabilitation teaching.

InSight Shop

Jumbo Calculator and Talking Thermomenter The InSight Shop, located in the agency’s headquarters at 260 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem, carries a wide range of products to enhance vision. The public is invited to explore products ranging from large number bingo cards, large print calendars and bold and wide lined tablets to magnifiers, talking watches, liquid level indicators and electronic readers. Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Gift certificates are available.