Resources
Society for Excellence in Eyecare
As the pateint’s advocate, the Society for Excellence in Eyecare promotes quality, safety and cost effective care of the eye. Advances in technology and best practices are disseminated and continually enhanced by the Society for Excellence in Eyecare through education, communication and research.
Members of the Society for Excellence in Eyecare are leaders and innovators in their profession who are committed to the belief that they can best promote the interest of their patients through a cooperative effort, and by providing support for each other through the development and exchange of best practices, both clinical and administrative, and through peer review advocacy.
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the largest national membership association of Eye MDs with over 7,000 members internationally. The website provides an in-depth look at eye care health, while providing their membership with ongoing learning and support.
American Board of Ophthalmology
The American Board of Ophthalmology is an independent non-profit organization founded in 1916. This organization is responsible for the certification and continual learning for ophthalmic surgery.
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery is an independent non-profit organization founded in 1974 to disseminate information about anterior segment opthalmic surgery.
Glasses are not strong enough to read, you may have low vision
By Dr. Scott Hearing
Many people, especially seniors, can no longer comfortably read with regular eye glasses. Low vision is defined as having a best corrected vision of 20/70 or worse with glasses. This definition takes into account that you had all of the necessary medical and surgical treatments for your eyes such as cataract surgery or laser surgery or other forms of medical treatment for conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. People with low vision can benefit from stronger reading lights, LED flashlights, magnifying glasses, and many other devices.
Simple strategies like larger print books, large print checks and writing with a black pen on white paper are often helpful. Many of the consumer electronic devices and e-readers like the Kindle DX large print e-reader from Amazon, the I-phone and I-pad from Apple are easily adaptable to help people with low vision. Several internet low vision forms are available to assist low vision patients with using these devices. Special computer software from Ai Squared such as ZoomText coupled with a large print keyboard is available. Additional electronic magnifying devices and reading machines are available from Enhanced Vision Systems. Low vision specialists help you with special glasses and rehabilitation techniques, working in conjunction with occupational therapists or certified low vision therapists. The veteran’s administration has a great program for low vision and rehabilitation. One of the landmark centers in the country is located here in West Palm Beach Veterans Administration Medical Center. Finally, the Lighthouse for the Blind and the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind of West Palm Beach are valuable assets to helping anyone with low vision. For more information regarding treatment with low vision, please contact Dr. Scott Hearing at Visual Health who can refer you to a certified low vision specialist.
Learn more about your visual health here.
