Low Vision Center
Powered by the Pacific Vision Foundation
Frank Stein & Paul S. May Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation
The Frank Stein and Paul S. May Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation is supported fully by the Pacific Vision Foundation and is located in Suite 430 at the Pacific Vision Eye Institute.
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people with visual impairments by providing them with the tools, skills, and support they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
What is Low Vision?
Low Vision refers to vision impairment that cannot be corrected with conventional glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. In the U.S., this loss of vision is most often caused by acquired eye diseases such as macular degeneration or glaucoma, but can also be congenital, caused by an injury, or result as a complication of a systemic condition, such as diabetes. As a result it can negatively affect a person’s ability to perform their everyday activities, such as reading, driving, working or watching television.
What is Low Vision Rehabilitation?
Low vision rehabilitation helps people participate in everyday activities they need and want to participate in such as reading, cooking, and getting around more easily. Low Vision Rehabilitation Services can be helpful to anyone who feels their level of vision negatively impacts their daily functioning abilities.
Who Can Benefit from Low Vision Rehabilitation?
Vision rehabilitation requires a team approach where the patient is considered the star player. Low Vision Rehabilitation Services can be helpful to anyone who feels their level of vision negatively impacts their daily functioning abilities. Though Low Vision Medical professionals are not able to cure the causes of vision loss we can help individuals use their remaining vision to its fullest potential.
Those with acuity less than 20/60 in better seeing eye, constriction of visual field or peripheral visual defect, central scotoma, and low contrast deficit.
Typical Insurance Guidelines for Coverage
A written referral from your doctor (e.g. primary care provider, ophthalmologist, etc.) or optometrist.
What Can I Expect?
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Low Vision evaluation with our low vision specialist, Annemarie Rossi, OT
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Evaluations take about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
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Annemarie will obtain pertinent information about your personal challenges and desired goals.
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Together you will come up with a treatment plan, which might include any or all the following:
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Visual skills training
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Diagnosis Education
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Use of adaptive techniques and devices
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Helpful environmental modifications
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Community reintegration strategies and resources
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Patient and family education
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Referral to community resources and peer support
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Annemarie Rossi, OT
Annemarie Rossi, OT has nearly 15 years of clinical experience as a low vision occupational therapist. She originally graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts where she earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. In 2013, went on to pursue a Masters level advanced certification in Low Vision Occupational Therapy through the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She’s been a part of the team since 2014 and prides herself on supporting you to be able to participate in your preferred activities despite your low vision diagnosis!
Donate Today
By giving today, you’re doing more than helping to restore someone’s sight. You’re helping to restore their life.
