Low Vision Clinic

Low Vision Clinic

Unfortunately for some patients, spectacles do not improve vision sufficiently for everyday tasks. In these instances, low vision aids are used to maximise the patients’ remaining vision, and very often advice on the correct use of lighting makes a significant difference.

What is the Opticare low vision clinic?

The low vision clinic runs separately from the routine eye examination. Initial appointments take approximately half an hour, and follow-up appointments are much quicker. The low vision clinic deals with the use of magnifying aids and telescopes to maximise reduced vision, as well as general practical aids and advice to enhance everyday life. Opticare prides itself on the service offered to the often vulnerable visually impaired patient.

Who is the low vision clinic for?

The clinic is designed for anyone whose sight can no longer be fully corrected with regular glasses or contact lenses, often because of an underlying eye condition such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma. You don’t need a specific diagnosis to attend – if everyday tasks like reading, recognising faces, or watching television have become difficult despite an up-to-date prescription, a low vision assessment can help identify what might make the biggest practical difference.

What happens at your appointment?

Your first visit starts with a conversation about the tasks you’re finding hardest and what matters most to you, whether that’s reading post, following a recipe, using a phone, or continuing a hobby. We assess your remaining vision and talk through the different types of low vision aids available, letting you try several in practice so you can see what actually helps before deciding on anything. Lighting is often just as important as the aid itself, so we also cover simple, practical changes to lighting and contrast at home that can make a real difference straight away.

Follow-up appointments are shorter and give us the chance to check how you’re getting on with any aids you’ve taken away, make adjustments, and introduce anything else that might help as your needs change over time.

Types of low vision aids we cover

• Hand-held and stand magnifiers – for reading post, labels, and other close-up tasks.
• Illuminated magnifiers – combining magnification with built-in lighting for tasks that need extra contrast.
• Distance and telescopic aids – to help with tasks like reading signs, recognising faces across a room, or watching television.
• Lighting and glare advice – practical guidance on positioning, contrast, and reducing glare at home.

Every patient’s needs are different, so we won’t recommend anything until we understand what you’re trying to achieve and you’ve had the chance to try it for yourself.

Common questions about the low vision clinic

Do I need a referral?

No – you can book directly with us, whether or not you’ve already been referred by your GP, a hospital eye clinic, or another optometrist.

Will I definitely need magnifiers?

Not necessarily. Sometimes the most useful changes are the simplest, such as better lighting, larger print, or positioning things differently. Magnifiers and other aids are only ever one part of the advice we give.

How much does it cost?

Please contact your local branch for current pricing, as this depends on the type of assessment and any aids you decide to take home.