For eye care professionals, caring for patients with low vision requires specific and efficient equipment. Conditions such as AMD ( age-related macular degeneration) and other chronic visual disorders require the use of adapted devices to help people with visual acuity loss maintain their autonomy.

 

Offering a range of varied and targeted equipment allows opticians to provide concrete and quality support to their customers. This article presents the essential tools for an optician specializing in low vision , from the assessment of visual needs to devices to improve the daily lives of the visually impaired.

 

Store needs assessment

 

The low vision assessment is the first step in personalized support. It includes in-depth examinations of visual acuity, contrast perception and visual field. Depending on the results obtained, the optician is then able to assess the level of difficulty encountered by the patient in their daily life and can also refer them to the right health contacts for appropriate management of their disability.

 

Different measuring devices are used to perform this assessment. Autorefractometers , for example, allow the refraction of the eye to be measured automatically, while retinoscopes allow the refractive errors to be determined manually. These instruments, combined with specific visual tests, provide a complete assessment of the patient's residual vision.

 

Functional and assessment tests provide essential information to guide the choice of devices. Among them, near reading, contrast detection, and peripheral vision tests help identify the patient's exact needs. Depending on the degree of visual impairment noted, the optician can then propose appropriate solutions that will improve the patient's quality of life.

 

Specialized optical aids

 

AMD-specific lenses are among the most sought-after equipment. Equipped with high-magnification lenses or contrast filters, they allow patients to perceive details with greater clarity. These glasses often incorporate patented technologies that reduce glare and make vision more comfortable.

 

Magnifying glasses and optical systems are also essential tools. There are manual magnifiers , which are practical for occasional use, and electronic magnifiers , which offer digital magnification and can be portable or fixed. Some models incorporate LED lighting to optimize near vision, particularly useful in low light conditions. Used in addition to glasses for AMD, these devices optimize near vision and reduce visual effort.

 

Telemagnifiers are among the most commonly used devices for near vision. They allow text and images to be magnified on a screen, and are available in desktop or portable versions. Connected models offer additional options, such as contrast adjustment and integrated lighting, which allow patients to read better or perform specific tasks at home or on the go.

 

Electronic glasses and reading devices complement these devices by providing assistance with text recognition and document reading. Using optical character recognition ( OCR ) technologies, these devices read the text aloud or transcribe it in enlarged form.

 

Smart glasses and augmented reality devices are innovative solutions for the visually impaired. Among them, Magic Sight glasses stand out for their advanced technology, offering improved vision thanks to high-resolution screens and lenses adapted to the needs of the visually impaired. In general, new devices that use perception enhancement technologies allow their users to regain real autonomy in all aspects of their daily lives (not just reading) and to fully re-appropriate their environment.

 

Additional equipment

 

 

Although low vision opticians can only sell equipment related to improving visual comfort, they should not neglect the importance of advice.

By suggesting simple solutions to their customers for arranging their home or workstation , by introducing them to useful applications or by informing them about their rights to assistance , optical professionals must position themselves as true trusted partners in order to best support people with visual acuity loss.

 

Conclusion

 

With a full range of optical aids, measuring devices and electronic devices, opticians specializing in low vision can now offer a range of tailor-made solutions adapted to the specific needs of their visually impaired customers.

 

By mastering the operation of devices and staying informed of the latest innovations, optical professionals not only contribute to improving the quality of life of their patients, but also to strengthening their expertise in a rapidly expanding field .

 

Having the right equipment therefore makes it possible to meet the growing expectations of customers seeking autonomy and visual comfort, while standing out from the usual competition.