Southern College of Optometry works with a number of charitable programs to gain access to resources designed to help patients. Seniors, children, or those needing additional financial assistance may benefit from some of the programs that the college works to provide through The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry or through other community partners.
We can put you in touch with a social worker who provides assistance to visually impaired people and their families or caregivers. Because Southern College of Optometry has worked with patients for more than 80 years as part of our mission, we’re well suited to help determine a person’s needs.
The sooner vision impairment is treated, the higher the likelihood of preventing vision loss. Our goal is to maximize a patient’s remaining vision when medical or surgical treatment cannot provide further improvement. This goal is also true for patients when treatment may be delayed and they must learn to function with their remaining vision.
A visual impairment evaluation can prescribe optical and other aids to maximize remaining vision. Optical aids include magnifiers and telescopes for seeing. Closed-circuit TV screens can enlarge print up to 100 times, enabling a person to read.
Advances in technology also provide apps via smartphones or tablets that allow patients to point and identify people, objects, or even currency amounts for money. Talking watches, books on tape, filters to reduce glare, and other devices can improve daily living.