Low Vision Clinic
About VIa's low vision clinic
WHAT DOES OUR LOW VISION CLINIC DO?
Your ophthalmologist will continue to monitor and treat the health of your eyes. Our Doctor of Optometry, a Certified Low Vision Optometrist, will perform a thorough evaluation of your vision, talk with you about your goals, and determine what additional vision rehabilitation services will help you achieve those goals.
What is Vision Rehabilitation?
Vision Rehabilitation includes an array of professional services that help to maximize safety, independence, and quality of life following vision loss. Services may be provided in the home, school, or workplace.
WHAT CAN OUR LOW VISION CLINIC HELP WITH?
- Reading small or standard print
- Identifying medications / dosage instructions
- Keyboarding / computer use
- Watching television
- Recognizing faces
- Identifying and organizing household items
- Telling time
about our provider dr. james simmons
Dr. James Simmons, a native to Western New York, graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Philadelphia, PA, in 1993. There he earned his Doctorate of Optometry and Master of Science in Vision Rehabilitation. Before that, he attended LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY, earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Dr. Simmons has been employed within VIA’s Vision Rehabilitation Department as our Certified Low Vision Optometrist for over 20 years. He demonstrates compassion for each individual that sits in his exam chair.
Dr. Simmons recieved Buffalo Business First‘s 2023 Excellence in Healthcare Award. A panel selected 25 winners, a group of healthcare professionals, non-profit workers, and other integral positions within the field.
What can I expect during the low vision exam?
We’ll discuss your vision loss.
We will begin by gathering an extensive health history and getting information about you and how vision loss affects you, your family, and your life. We’ll ask that you bring any items that you’re currently utilizing, including any eyeglasses or magnifiers, with you to our low vision clinic.
We’ll educate you and answer important questions.
We’ll talk with you about your eye condition and answer your questions on what you might experience moving forward. We suggest having a friend/family member with you in the exam room since there is much information.
We’ll maximize your vision.
Dr. Simmons will be trying a variety of lenses to assist you in seeing at a distance and reading print. We’ll talk about lighting and how it affects your ability to perform activities of daily living. If applicable, we’ll make recommendations for additional vision rehabilitation services that might be beneficial in maximizing your independence. We often hear from our patients that they wish they would’ve known about us or come to see us sooner.
If you’re having difficulties related to your sight, turn to VIA for help. Our vision loss rehabilitation services can get you back to where you were before your vision loss. Contact VIA today to learn more.
clinic locations
MAIN CAMPUS
1170 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14209
NORTHTOWNS
1491 Sheridan Drive, Suite 600
Tonawanda, NY 14217
clinic hours
Monday – Thursday
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
To make an appointment at one of our locations,
please call us at (716) 888-4556