Low vision solutions: a public health issue

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The aging of the population, combined with the prevalence of diseases such as DMLA (age-related macular degeneration), the glaucoma, the, the cataract, The Stargardt disease, or even the diabetic retinopathy, is causing a marked increase in the number of people suffering from low vision.

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In France, near 1.7 million people are affected by severe visual impairment, and this figure should triple by 2050. These pathologies mainly affect the elderly, but can also affect younger populations, which should push visual health professionals to adapt and diversify their services. supported.

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This demographic change is in fact opening up important prospects for opticians. By developing specialized skills in low vision, they will in fact be able to better support their customers, by offering solutions that improve their autonomy And their quality of life.

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Many patients today need optical equipment adapted and of advanced technologies able to improve their vision problems. By offering personalized equipment, optical professionals will then evolve with their customers and will in fact deepen their expertise.

 

Becoming a low-vision optician: a promising diversification strategy

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Technological advances in the field of low vision are transforming the daily lives of people with loss of visual acuity, and offer opticians the opportunity to integrate innovative solutions to their practices. From September 20 to 23, 2024, was also held the 30th edition of the famous International Exhibition of Optical Professionals in Paris. Many exhibitors and players in the optical industry were present to exhibit or discover the latest market news, and in particular devices designed to combat visual impairment.

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In this category, smart glasses, like those from Magic Sight, have largely stood out. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, our device aims to restore a form of liberty to its users. Thanks to clear lenses, a wide field of vision, high-resolution screens and embedded software, these glasses allow their wearers to regain real visual comfort at any distance. The proof, with the Marie-Catherine's testimony, one of our first carriers!

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Recourse to TV enlargement, at Camera guidance, at the Augmented reality or even to connected devices, is being democratized at high speed to fight against handicap visual. All these approaches are now the ones that best help visually impaired people to move around in space, to read, or to interact with their environment and especially their loved ones. Offering this type of products and services as an optician is a real competitive advantage, but also a golden opportunity to offer tailor-made, effective and expected support.

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However, it is necessary to go through a technical training continues in order to control the products and to be able to address them correctly to patients. By investing in their skills development, vision health specialists can not only meet the needs that are increasingly present on the market, but also position themselves as experts of low vision, thus strengthening their credibility and their competitiveness.

 

How to train in low vision?

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To specialize in this field, several career paths and certifications are available. Training courses often include modules that address various pathologies or types of visual impairment, how to care for patients, what solutions to offer them and in particular increasingly advanced devices such as smart glasses or augmented reality systems.

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Among the organisms and others specialized training centers, we can cite for example:

· ISOFORM: Low vision and vision in the elderly

· HERE: Vision training for the elderly — low vision

· GRETA-CFA: Aquitaine— Low vision care for a visually impaired

· LIES: Low vision activity

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Les partnerships With manufacturers and suppliers Of the optical medium are also essential for staying at the forefront of innovation. Some of them offer regular training, such as:

·  Eschenbach Optik -Low vision training

· Optelec - Low vision technology training

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By monitoring their sector of activity on a daily basis, opticians have a real chance of being able to distinguish themselves thanks to more specific approaches of their customers. La continuing education remains crucial to keep their skill level up to date and adapt the services offered to an aging clientele.

 

What support should be offered to customers?

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Specializing in low vision generally involves the commercialization advanced technical solutions, which are often expensive. However, this should not stop opticians who want to evolve in this field, or visually impaired people from coming to store. It is therefore important to guide customers in obtaining financial aid adapted.

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This starts, in a fairly simple way, by explaining the various options for the management of low vision through Social security and the mutuals. Suggest the installment payment may also be interesting both for the portfolio of people with loss of visual acuity and for optical professionals who will then be guaranteed to convert their customers more easily.

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Finally, it is possible to encourage patients to find out about helpers Like the AAH (Disabled Adult Allowance), the PCH (Disability Compensation Benefit), as well as with associations such as Valentin Haüy, UNADEV or even the Federation of the Blind of France. These organizations offer financial support or equipment loans, and local authorities sometimes offer subsidies for low vision devices.

 

Conclusion

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Continue to train in vision health represents an undeniable opportunity for opticians. With the increase in age-related vision disorders and the emergence of new optical technologies, it is becoming essential to master these skills to remain competitive and ensure the future of the professional sector.

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Not to mention the human dimension of the profession and the importance of advising your customers as best as possible, we encourage you to explore the training available and to take advantage of the latest innovations that will help you improve your services.

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