What Is the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists?

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The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) may sound like an educational institution, but it actually refers to a network of low-vision specialists. These are professionals who have devoted themselves to helping people with severe vision loss lead a more independent lifestyle.

Why Visit a Member of the Academy?

The IALVS community has committed themselves to a specialty. Unlike a standard optometrist, a low-vision specialist in Wilmington, NC has the skills and the education to recommend tailored solutions based on the patient’s request. Plus, they have a full network to call upon if they need additional support.

What Can I Expect from a Member of the Academy?

The biggest benefit of seeing a low-vision specialist is the ability to discuss your lifestyle and the changes you want to make. Eye disorders, like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, have enough overlapping symptoms that it’s not always easy for eye doctors to draw a straight line to sharper vision. Add in medical injuries, like stroke or brain trauma, the problem can get that much fuzzier.

A specialist not only understands the underlying causes, but they also witness how the symptoms of each disorder run the gamut. In other words, they know that the consequences of double vision while reading are very different from blurry vision when driving.

If you’ve been working with eye doctors without seeing the results you want, consider teaming up with the staff at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina. As members of the IALVS, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with your current team in Wilmington, NC, whether it’s a retina specialist, occupational therapist, geriatric specialist, or primary care physician.

What Is Low-Vision Rehab?

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Low-vision rehab is similar to other types of rehab in that they share a common goal. Specialists work (often together) to improve your day-to-day experiences as much as possible with the resources available.

The catch? Low vision can be one of the trickiest disorders to treat because there’s no one go-to solution. Here, we’ll look at why you can’t just visit a regular eye doctor in Wilmington, NC and what you can expect if you’re hoping to revamp your lifestyle.

The Challenges of Low-Vision

Prismatic glasses, telescopic lenses, VR technology: you’re liable to find all kinds of solutions if you’re searching for ways to treat your low vision. However, the reality is that the promises against the reality of these devices can be offputting at best. When you visit the low-vision specialist, you can set more than just realistic expectations, you can figure out a better course of treatment with a real advisor by your side.

The Steps of Low-Vision Rehab

The basic steps of low-vision rehab include:

  • Discussion and counseling: You’ll discuss not just what you’re looking for but why it’s a priority. You’ll also get counseling about how to make specific lifestyle changes for better long-term results.
  • Assessment and solutions: Low-vision devices, adaptive equipment, and training can all go a long way to helping you hold onto your independence.

If you’re looking for a low-vision program in Wilmington, NC that can support you through more than an appointment or two, call The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina today to learn more about how our staff has helped define the latest treatments in low-vision, and what we’ve done to improve the lives of our patients.