Low Vision Services
Serving Sunset Park, Brooklyn | Flushing and Long Island City, Queens
Losing part of your vision to an eye condition can make everyday tasks like reading, writing, or recognizing faces feel out of reach, even after medical or surgical treatment has done all it can. Dr. Ellen Ren is a New York State Certified Low Vision Specialist and the only certified low vision provider in Queens, offering evaluations designed to help patients make the most of the vision they have.
What is Low Vision?
Low vision is reduced vision from an eye condition that cannot be further corrected with glasses, contact lenses, surgery, or medication. It is different from blindness. Most people with low vision retain some usable sight, but that sight may not be enough to comfortably read, write, watch television, or move through the world independently.
Being evaluated by a low vision specialist can help patients to find tools and resources to help adjust to life with low vision
Being evaluated by a low vision specialist can help patients to find tools and resources to help adjust to life with low vision
Common Eye Diseases That Cause Low Vision
Low vision can result from a range of underlying eye conditions, including:
Glaucoma
Macular degeneration
Retinal detachment
Myopic retinal degeneration
Diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy
Inherited retinal conditions
Optic atrophy
Albinism
And more
How We Can Help
A low vision evaluation is different from a routine eye exam. Rather than focusing on correcting your prescription, it looks at how you actually use your remaining vision day to day.
Through this evaluation, our team can help you better understand your functional vision, then recommend devices and rehabilitation services designed to help you use that vision as effectively as possible.
Through this evaluation, our team can help you better understand your functional vision, then recommend devices and rehabilitation services designed to help you use that vision as effectively as possible.
Common Eye Diseases That Cause Low Vision
A low vision evaluation at NY Partners Ophthalmology typically includes:
- A thorough review of your medical and vision history
- A discussion of realistic goals for your visual needs
- Testing to evaluate your remaining functional vision
- Determination of the most appropriate glasses prescription
- Recommendations for optical and non-optical devices to enhance your remaining vision
- Guidance and referrals to rehabilitation services or counselors, if needed
Low Vision Aids and Devices
Depending on your evaluation results, your provider may recommend:
Magnifiers
Telescopes
Low vision tints and filters
Specialty contact lenses
Press-on prisms
Prism glasses
High-powered reading glasses
Ellen Ren, O.D.,F.A.A.O. 任毅穎
Queens patients don't have to travel across the city for specialized low vision care. Dr. Ellen Ren is the only New York State certified low vision provider in Queens, bringing a level of expertise most patients would otherwise have to seek out elsewhere.
A residency-trained optometrist and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, she completed a dedicated residency in low vision and has presented her work at national conferences.
Read Dr Ren’s Full BioA residency-trained optometrist and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, she completed a dedicated residency in low vision and has presented her work at national conferences.
Low Vision Q&A
Can low vision be cured?
Low vision usually cannot be cured, but many people can improve their ability to perform daily activities with the right devices, training, and rehabilitation services.
Will regular glasses fix low vision?
Regular glasses may improve part of your vision, but many people with low vision require specialized devices and rehabilitation strategies beyond a standard prescription.
Who should have a low vision evaluation?
Anyone experiencing vision loss that interferes with daily activities, even after receiving the best possible medical or surgical treatment, may benefit from a low vision evaluation.
Does insurance cover low vision services?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and whether you have an open case with an outside agency. Our staff can help verify your benefits before your visit.