Seeing Beyond Sight
February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of low vision and highlighting the many ways individuals with reduced visual ability can still live full, independent, and meaningful lives.
At our behavioural optometric practice, we believe that vision is far more than just eyesight. It is a learned process involving the eyes, brain, and body working together. For people with low vision, supporting this visual system is not about “fixing” vision—but about maximising usable vision and improving quality of life.
What Is Low Vision?
Low vision refers to a visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery, yet still leaves some usable vision. This may include:
- Reduced visual clarity
- Loss of central or peripheral vision
- Difficulty with contrast or light sensitivity
- Visual field loss
Low vision can affect people of all ages and may result from conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, retinitis pigmentosa, stroke, or brain injury.
A Behavioural Optometry Perspective on Low Vision
Behavioural optometry looks at how a person uses their vision, not just how clearly they can see letters on a chart. For individuals with low vision, this approach is especially powerful.
Rather than focusing on limitations, behavioural optometry focuses on:
- Strengthening visual efficiency
- Enhancing visual processing
- Teaching adaptive strategies
- Supporting functional vision for daily tasks
Even when eyesight is reduced, the brain can often learn new ways to interpret visual information, especially when supported with the right tools and training.
How We Support Patients with Low Vision
Low vision care is highly individualised. Depending on each patient’s needs, support may include:
🔹 Specialised Low Vision Devices
Magnifiers, telescopic lenses, filters, and electronic aids can significantly improve reading, mobility, and daily function.
🔹 Environmental Modifications
Simple changes such as improved lighting, contrast enhancement, and glare reduction can make a remarkable difference.
🔹 Visual Skills and Rehabilitation Support
Where appropriate, visual therapy principles can help patients make better use of their remaining vision, improving confidence and independence.
🔹 Emotional and Practical Guidance
Adjusting to low vision can be overwhelming. Compassionate guidance, education, and realistic goal-setting are essential parts of care.
Low Vision Does Not Mean Low Potential
One of the most important messages of Low Vision Awareness Month is this:
A diagnosis of low vision is not the end of visual function—it is the beginning of a new way of seeing.
With the right support, people with low vision can:
- Continue reading and learning
- Remain active and mobile
- Maintain independence
- Participate fully in work, school, and family life
Early intervention and proper low vision care can dramatically improve outcomes.
Raising Awareness, Changing Lives
Low Vision Awareness Month is an opportunity to:
- Encourage early assessment
- Reduce stigma around visual impairment
- Educate families, teachers, and caregivers
- Advocate for accessible vision care
If you or someone you love is struggling with vision that glasses alone don’t solve, help is available.
At our practice, we are passionate about helping patients see beyond limitations. If you have questions about low vision, functional vision challenges, or whether low vision care may help you or your child, we invite you to reach out.
Together, we can explore possibilities—and unlock the visual potential that remains.
See the world clearly—inside and out. Until next time!
Karen
We’re Here to Help: 📞 0219760445
🌐 www.glanzoptometrist.co.za