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| Jeff Crawford credits Dr. Wicker for helping him live and work on his own terms. |
Low Vision Clinic helps patients make the most of their limited vision
In 1992, Jeff Crawford came to the U-M Kellogg Eye Center’s Low Vision Clinic with one goal: he wanted to improve his vision so he could earn his driver’s license. He was tired of taking the bus or relying on family and friends to drive him where he needed to go. After working with low vision specialist Donna M. Wicker, O.D., Mr. Crawford achieved his goal and — at age 28 — obtained his first license. He promptly bought a bright yellow Jeep Wrangler. “I figured that if I had any trouble seeing other drivers, at least they would be able to see me,” Mr. Crawford says, laughing.
Kellogg’s Low Vision Clinic helps patients with vision loss ranging from mild impairment to legal blindness. These people typically suffer from macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa. Mr. Crawford is typical of many patients with low vision — a term that denotes vision that is 20/70 or less with the best conventional glasses prescription.
Many come to their first appointment with specific goals, such as improving their ability to tackle tasks like meal preparation, reading, driving, writing checks and paying bills.
“When patients come to our clinic, we discuss specific tasks they would like to accomplish or the ones that give them trouble,” explains Dr. Wicker. “Our job then is to test their vision and optimize their remaining functional vision with the use of optical devices, electronic devices and training techniques.”
What patients need most are devices that can magnify the objects and material they encounter every day. Among these are high-power reading glasses, telescopes, and handheld and stand magnifiers. Other devices include special telephones and modified closed circuit televisions that enlarge reading material and project it onto a TV monitor. Non-optical devices include largeprint items and talking clocks and watches.
It was the telescope that allowed Mr. Crawford to get that first driver’s license. Because he is legally blind due to congenital cataracts and aniridia (an absent or partially absent iris), he uses bioptic telescopes — miniature telescopes attached to the top of his eyeglasses — to help him drive.
The low vision specialists see about 20 patients each week, most referred by Kellogg’s clinics and community offices. “Kellogg embraces a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of low vision,” explains Dr. Wicker. “We have a team of ophthalmologists, optometrists and occupational therapists working together to meet each patient’s needs.”
A low vision patient typically has one to four appointments. The last is an optional in-home visit by occupational therapist Karen Murphy, who helps patients with lighting, safety, contrast and organization.
Mr. Crawford, now 44, returns to Kellogg each year for a check-up with his ophthalmologist and sees Dr. Wicker if his vision has changed.
“Dr. Wicker and the low vision staff are very professional and friendly and always are concerned about your well-being,” says Mr. Crawford. “The honesty and integrity at Kellogg are phenomenal.”
Thanks to Kellogg, Mr. Crawford can drive to his job of 14 years. He is a machine operator for Edwards Brothers, a book and journal manufacturing company in Ann Arbor.
“Kellogg gave me back my freedom and independence,” he states, proudly.
For more information, see the Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Clinic at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center.
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