Low Vision Clinic
Low vision occurs when vision cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. It is often the result of eye disease (i.e., macular degeneration), or systemic disease (diabetes), or genetic conditions (albinism).
About Us
The Low Vision Clinic assists those with low vision to make better use of their remaining vision through optical and electronic devices, and other adaptive techniques.
Our Services
How is a low vision evaluation different from a comprehensive eye exam?
Our low vision evaluation is divided into three parts.
The first part is spending time with you, learning about how changes in your vision have impacted your daily activities. Many of our patients describe difficulty with reading, walking in unfamiliar areas, cooking, and cleaning.
In the second part of the evaluation, we will take measurements of your vision, which are different from the tests done during a primary care eye exam.
The last part of the exam involves the evaluation of devices and tools intended to make life easier for you. A low vision evaluation is often a starting point for many low vision services and resources available to our patients.
Low vision evaluation includes:
Low Vision Facts
Low vision device evaluation includes strong reading spectacles, optical and video magnifiers, and telescopes. We offer rehabilitation counseling and provide services through many community agencies that assist those with low vision.
National Institutes of Health project that the estimated number of people with low vision will triple by 2050.
Contact Us
Low Vision Clinic
Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science
200 Minor Addition
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
(510) 642-5726
eyecare.berkeley.edu
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
1155 Market Street, 10th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
(510) 642-2020
Lighthouse for the Blind
Clinic Chief
Marlena Chu, OD, FAAO
Associate Clinical Professor