Robson Ophthalmic Opticians Newcastle - Low Vision Clinic

We have a specialist low vision clinic within our practice. Here we will assess your residual vision and determine if it can be assisted and utilised to read and write and to view things which you have difficulty in seeing.

Our low vision aids include:

  • Modified spectacles
  • Spectacle mounted telescopes
  • Special illumination
  • Lens filters
  • Hand held telescopes
  • CCTV (closed circuit television)
  • Magnifiers - illuminated and hand held
  • Stand magnifiers
  • Monoculars
  • Telescopes
  • Reading stands

Low Vision Aids

The condition macula degeneration affects mainly but not exclusively elderly people. Says Cecilia Bell, who manages the low vision clinic, "Whilst there is no cure for the condition, it is usually possible to enhance the remaining vision. On several occasions we have enabled people to read again, after they have been informed that there is nothing that can be done surgically to help them".

We can also help people with inherited conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardts disease. Whilst there are no cures, there are visual aids which enable us to maximise the effectiveness of the residual vision. Some of the options include reading aids from specialists such as Telesensory and Eschenbach. For greater mobility we can design spectacle mounted magnifiers and small portable magnifiers.

This is an area of optical treatment where the NHS service is limited due to funding restrictions. We take referrals from NHS hospitals and clinics, social workers, other opticians and local societies for those with low vision.

We can also demonstrate and supply closed circuit television L.V.A.s, which project magnified images of printing, correspondence, photographs, documents and medicine bottles onto a TV screen.

Each aid, or combination of aids will be professionally prescribed, on an individual basis, by Cecilia Bell, who is a qualified specialist. Costs vary from a hand magnifier at £5.95 to complex CCTV systems at over £2,000.

It is important that adequate time is devoted to thoroughly research each patient's needs and so a nominal fee of £20 is charged for the initial, in depth consultation.

Benefits of L.V.A.s

  • Independence - read own mail
  • Privacy - read own bills, bank statements
  • Quality of life - view family photos, magazines etc

In addition to supplying your L.V.A.s we can also advise you of societies and other helpful resources.

ICAPS & Macushield Dietary Supplements

The two major causes of blindness in the UK are macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

No cure is available for macular degeneration and so preventive measures are critically important. Smoking is a very significant risk factor, enough said. ICAPS and Macushield dietary supplements, contain pigments that the macular needs. The supplements can help prevent the disease and if taken early enough, can slow down its progression.

Diabetic retinopathy is treatable by laser. Diabetics should have their eyes monitored regularly and should register with a monitoring scheme.

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Robson & Co. 16 Pilgrim Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 6QG | Tel: 0191 232 1631 | Fax: 0191 230 1071