General Information
Centre for Sight Enhancement / Low Vision Clinic
419 Phillip Street, Unit C
University of Waterloo
Waterloo Eye Institute
Waterloo,
ON N2L 3G1
519-888-4708
[email protected]
https://uwaterloo.ca/sight-enhancement/
Brief Description
Located within the University of Waterloo's Waterloo Eye Institute, Low Vision Services offers a comprehensive range of vision rehabilitation services, including assessment, prescription, instruction and rehabilitation; information and referral for medical, social, educational, vocational and financial services; liaison with applicable government programs and services, and groups serving the low vision population; consultation with and referral to other specialty clinics within the Waterloo Eye Institute and to community services; and basic and clinical research into various aspects of low vision.
Services Offered
- Assessment
- Assessment and prescription of low vision devices. Assessment for the Ministry of Transportation Vision Waiver Program, Activities of Daily Living & Device Training Assessments and High Technology Assessments.
- Computer Training/Assistive Technology
- Assessment for high technology assistive devices.
The computer assessment explores visual adaptations (e.g. specialized screen enlargement and scanning software) to optimize computer access for those with low vision and blindness.
In the CCTV assessments we explore the functionality of specialized video-based magnifiers for reading and writing. Handheld, table-top, head mounted or portable systems can aid with viewing tasks such as reading books, blackboards, presentations or sporting events.
- Consultation/Technical Program Assistance
- Provides on-site technical support.
- Information and Referral
- Refers to community-based services for clients as needed.
- Low Vision Services
- In a low vision assessment we evaluate an individual’s functional vision and explore the usefulness of low vision devices for desired visual activities. These devices may range from simple optical devices such as hand/stand magnifiers to complex lens systems,including spectacle mounted telescopes and microscopes, prisms, filters and video based devices. These devices may be helpful for reading, watching TV, seeing faces, viewing a presentation, shopping and other visual activities. The low vision clinician coordinates with all the other low vision services (high technology, daily living, CCTV, and counsellor)to provide the best options to the individual. Low vision assessments are performed by low vision residency-trained optometrists and optometric interns.
- Community Outreach Programs
- Offers geriatric outreach services to institutional settings and homebound elderly clients in Waterloo region.
- Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training
- Provides low vision rehabilitation. As an extension to the Low Vision
Assessment, potential optical aids are further assessed and training is provided. Strategies and techniques to maximize your vision and assist with daily living activities are also explored.
- Assistive Products
- Distributes products for activities of daily living for sale to clients. Products for sale on site.
- Professional Training
- Offers low vision residency programs.
- Counseling
- Offers counseling services related to low vision issues to clients and their families. Support services such as career planning/vocational adjustment, individual, couple, or family counseling, assistance with smoking cessation,information about community resources and/or help with applications for financial assistance are available.