Low vision doesn’t have to leave you in the dark

Henriette Lamprecht – Macular degeneration occurs in about 20% of adults over the age of 60. As a condition that affects central vision, it makes tasks like reading extremely challenging.

Namibia now boasts a low vision centre giving hope to those with various eye conditions.

Chantal Overvliet, an optometrist at Oculus Vision Centre in Windhoek, explains low vision as vision that can’t be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. The remaining vision impacts the individual’s daily activities.

Various eye conditions that permanently affect vision include keratoconus, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

“It’s important to note all eye conditions don’t affect vision in the same way. Some affect central vision, where others affect the periphery which makes tasks like walking and moving around in unfamiliar places challenging. Some affect vision in bright conditions and some in reduced light or at night.”

According to Chantal a low vision assessment is not the same as a routine eye test. During an examination the need for magnifiers, telescopes, electronic devices and computer technology is investigated.

The optometrist will also investigate the need for rehabilitation, glare control, task lighting, and device and mobility training.

Assisting devices can include watches that “talk back”, cellphones that cater for visual impairment as well as liquid indicators.

“A low vision consultation should be focused on maintaining the individual’s independence as far as possible. The biggest challenge with such vision loss is suddenly becoming dependent on other members of the family or community,” says Chantal.

She explains with vision loss one needs to look at adjusting the individual’s direct environment with contrasting colour plates, pillows and walls, stair indicators, handrails and appropriate lighting and safety mechanisms in the kitchen among others.

Technology has played a crucial role in the development and enhancement of low vision aids and assisting devices in the past few years.

One technology used is the OrCam – a portable, artificial vision device that allows visually impaired people to understand text and identify objects through audio feedback, describing what they’re unable to see. It works as a wireless smart camera which, when attached outside eyeglasses frames, can read and verbalise text and even supermarket barcodes. This information is converted into spoken words and then enters the user’s ear. Face recognition is also a feature of the OrCam.

With ZoomText the magnifier/reader is a fully-integrated magnification and reading program for low vision users. It enlarges and enhances everything on a computer screen, echoes typing and essential program activity.

Bioptic, also known as a bioptic telescope, refers to a pair of vision enhancement lenses. The lenses magnify between two and six times and are used to improve distance vision for those with severely impaired eyesight, especially those with albinism.

A sonar smart band, the Sunu Band, improves navigation for the visually impaired. It combines sonar or echolocation with gentle, precise vibrations to inform the user about obstacles or objects within their environment. Users of the Sunu Band wear it in conjunction with a cane or a guide dog to enhance awareness and complement mobility.

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