A low vision diagnosis can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. It can also lead to social isolation and depression. If you’ve ever had to deliver a low vision diagnosis, then you’ve likely grappled with how to help your patients take their next steps—sometimes literally.

Visually Impaired Advancement (VIA) helps ophthalmologists support patients through their diagnosis and beyond, offering lifechanging low vision resources in Buffalo, NY. From simple tools that make life easier to job training that teaches new skills, VIA can help you provide your patients with resources that will increase their independence, confidence, and quality of life.

VIA Provides Patient Support for Ophthalmologists

Our services support your patient care by providing additional resources to help those with vision loss achieve day-to-day independence. Referring your patients to VIA will give them access to supplementary services that will ultimately improve your patient care.

Our Low Vision Clinic in Buffalo Focuses on Patient Goals

Our low vision clinic in Buffalo, NY, can help you provide patients with ways to maximize safety, independence, and quality of life following vision loss. Our specialized health low vision clinic provides comprehensive evaluations, assessments, and treatments for patients with low vision. Our approach recognizes that patients have unique needs and priorities that must be addressed to help them meet their goals and maintain their independence.

How Can VIA’s Low Vision Clinic Assist Your Patients?

Many patients ask questions like these after their low vision diagnosis:

• Will I lose my job?
• What do I do now?
• How am I going to read?
• How do I get around town?
• How am I going to take care of myself and my family?

VIA can continue the conversation with them after they leave your office, providing tips and recommendations for living with low vision. Our services can be provided in the home, school, and workplace, and assist patients with the following:

• Reading small or standard print
• Identifying medications / dosage instructions
• Keyboarding / computer use
• Watching television
• Recognizing faces
• Identifying and organizing household items
• Telling time

What Can Your Patients Expect From a Visit to VIA’s Low Vision Clinic?

During a low vision evaluation/visit, VIA will gather an extensive health history to learn how your patients’ vision loss affects them, their family, and their life. We’ll explore what assistive technology they are using and answer any remaining questions about their diagnosis and condition. Together, we’ll work to maximize their vision and make recommendations for vision rehabilitation services, assistive lenses, and beneficial life changes.

Low Vision Rehabilitation in Buffalo Fosters Patient Independence

Our goal is to take patients from “not enough vision to do what they want to do” to achieving the highest possible level of independence. We attempt to understand the impact vision loss has on each individual patient, and what technologies, devices, techniques, and services can restore hope and provide solutions for the visually impaired community. Although those with low vision have uncorrectable vision loss that interferes with daily activities, our low vision rehabilitation services can help patients in Western New York, and may help patients restore function after vision loss, just as physical therapy restores function after a stroke or other injury.

Get in touch with us today to learn more.

What is Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)?

VRT helps patients regain independence with the use of adaptive tools and techniques. Through VRT, they can do almost everything they did before vision loss; they just do it differently.

What is Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Training?

Patients with low vision struggle to identify their locations and safely move from one place to another. Orientation and mobility training can help improve a person’s orientation and mobility, whether they are moving from one room to another or walking in their neighborhood.

Our team of professional instructors works one-on-one with patients to set and meet mobility goals. Through various methods (including residual vision, sighted guides, long canes, guide dogs, and technology) your patients will learn to travel comfortably and confidently. Achieving independence is just a phone call away for many of your patients.

VIA Provides Low Vision Resources for Ophthalmologists in Buffalo, NY

Looking for resources to give your patients more options for coping with their low vision diagnosis? We can help! VIA provides many resources that will help your patients increase their mobility, independence, and self-sufficiency, including the following:

Teachers of the Visually Impaired

We employ special education teachers with certification and specialized training to meet the needs of students with low vision.

Social Casework Services

Our social casework services focus on meeting the emotional and social needs of your patients that are adjusting to vision loss. Social workers provide valuable assistance in accessing community resources, services, and benefits, as well as facilitating opportunities to connect with others who have experienced vision loss. They can also help your patients learn how to self-advocate and educate others about the condition. VIA also offers both short-term and ongoing support groups for men and women, facilitated by experienced social workers and peer-led volunteers who have successfully adapted to vision loss. These groups provide a safe and supportive space to share experiences, offer advice, and connect with others who understand the challenges of living with vision loss.

Recreation Programs

At VIA, we understand that social isolation can be a significant barrier for youth and their families dealing with vision loss. That’s why we offer a variety of structured socialization and recreational opportunities to help overcome these challenges. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing youth (and their families) with the tools and mechanisms you need to remain confident and active while accessing different types of activities and experiences. Whether through organized outings or group activities, we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters social connections and promotes overall well-being for everyone involved.

Youth Programs:

• Our FOCUS program is dedicated to fostering communication, problem-solving, goal-setting, teamwork, process improvement, and understanding roles and responsibilities.
• READY (Recreation, Experience, And Activities Dedicated to Youth) is a family recreation program designed to facilitate community activities for children and young adults who are legally blind and their families.

Workforce Development

We believe in providing individuals with the opportunity to develop valuable skills in a real-life employment setting that benefits both employees and employers alike. Our comprehensive programs and workforce development services are designed to help prepare your patients for competitive employment in a career that aligns with their interests, abilities, and visual accommodations. Whether they are a high school student exploring their options for the future or someone who’s been out of the workforce for a period of time, we can help them obtain and retain employment through training, coaching, and support. Our goal is to ensure that they have the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace, while also helping employers find qualified and motivated employees who are a great fit for their organization.

How Can VIA Benefit Your Ophthalmology Practice?

Partnership with VIA can benefit your ophthalmology practice in several ways, including:

• Improved patient outcomes. By referring patients to VIA, you’ll help patients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Patients who receive low vision rehabilitation are more likely to be able to perform daily activities independently, which can reduce their risk of falls and other accidents.
• Enhanced patient satisfaction. Patients who receive low vision rehabilitation are often more satisfied with their care than those who do not. This can lead to increased patient loyalty and referrals to your practice.
• Improved communication with patients. Our low vision rehabilitation services involve a team-based approach to care that emphasizes communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals. This can help you better understand your patients’ needs and develop more effective treatment plans.

VIA can help you provide comprehensive care for your low vision patients, allowing them to achieve their goals and maintain their independence and quality of life.

Get in Touch with Buffalo’s Vision Rehabilitation Experts Today

Contact VIA to learn more about how we can support your patients at one of our low vision clinics in Buffalo, NY.