Episode 2: What is Low Vision?

Living with Vision Loss PodcastEpisode 2What Is Low Vision?Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVTEpisode Type: EducationalDuration: ~6 minutesEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Dawn answers one of the most common questions she receives: What is low vision? She explains that low vision occurs when your acuity cannot be corrected to 20/20 with glasses, contacts, surgery, or medication—usually due to eye disease. Dawn discusses the role of low vision optometrists, why glasses often can't help when the retina is damaged, and the treatment interventions available including optical magnification, size magnification, and distance magnification. She also covers how treatment addresses not just acuity, but visual field, contrast, and glare.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe definition of low vision and why it's different from needing glassesCommon eye diseases that cause low visionWhat a low vision optometrist does and how they differ from a regular eye doctorWhy glasses can't always help when the retina is damagedThree types of magnification: optical, size, and distanceHow treatment interventions address acuity, visual field, contrast, and glareA real-life example of helping someone see the TV betterWho Is This Podcast For?People living with low vision or vision lossFamily members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairmentsFriends who want to understand how to helpHealthcare professionals seeking to better understand low visionOccupational therapists and rehabilitation specialistsWhat Is Low Vision?Low vision is when your acuity cannot be corrected to 20/20 with:GlassesContactsSurgeryMedicationEye Conditions That Cause Low VisionCommon in older adults:Macular degenerationGlaucomaDiabetic retinopathyWhat Does a Low Vision Optometrist Do?A low vision optometrist is a specialized eye doctor who:Uses specialized lenses and larger chartsDetermines if glasses can help improve acuity at distance or nearPrescribes magnification devices when glasses can't helpGets a baseline of your current visionWorks with you to identify your goals and prescribe devices to achieve themThree Types of MagnificationUsing the example of helping someone see the TV better:Size Magnification – Get a larger televisionDistance Magnification – Sit closer to the TVOptical Magnification – Use a hand held or spectacle mounted telescopeImportant factors to consider: the size you need to see and your distance from the object.Treatment Interventions Address Four AreasAcuity (Size) – Devices to magnify printVisual Field (Picture) – Techniques to see the full pictureContrast (Color) – Brighten your TV or increase contrast on devicesGlare Management – Filters to reduce glareAbout Your HostDawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently. She works directly with patients in clinical settings, developing personalized strategies to help them accomplish the activities that matter most to them.Connect & SubscribeDon't miss an episode! Subscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.Keywords: what is low vision, low vision definition, low vision optometrist, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, low vision therapy, magnification devices, optical magnification, low vision treatment, vision rehabilitation, glasses can't help, retina damage, visual field loss, contrast sensitivity, glare management, low vision aidsMedical DisclaimerThe information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life