What is low vision care all about?
When vision is reduced due to macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes, optic atrophy, albinism, or other hereditary or acquired visual disorders, conventional eyeglasses or contacts no longer help. This is because the retina or optic nerve cannot produce a clear image, not because the image is out of focus, although it may certainly appear that way.
Loss of Central Vision
In central vision loss, such as macular degeneration, the central part of the retina (the macula) is affected. The macula is responsible for the "detail vision" that we use to read, recognize faces, and see signs and TV. When we look at things we look with our macula. When one has macular degeneration, it's as if there is a "hole" in the center of your vision, and when we look at an object that's smaller than the hole, the image, in effect, falls in and cannot be seen. By enlarging the image, it becomes too large to fall into the hole, and it remains visible. This is the basis of low vision care—using low vision aids to make the image large enough to make it visible.
Magnification for reading and other near-point activities can be provided with magnifiers, very strong reading lenses and electronic devices. For distance and mid range visual activities, miniature telescopes are used. Because different activities often require different devices and powers, patients often require several low vision aids to address all of their visual goals. Specialists trained in low vision care can determine the proper low vision aid (s) for the individual and help them to learn to use them to gain the maximum use of their remaining vision.
What are Bioptic Telescopes?
When central vision is affected, your ability to see detail is reduced. Not only is reading difficult, but seeing signs, faces, TV and the computer are also impaired. While magnifiers and large print can help you to read, only moving very close or using a small telescope can help you to see better at a distance or at midrange.
When a miniature telescope is attached to the top of a pair of eyeglasses it is called a bioptic telescope. By attaching the telescope to the eyeglasses, the wearer can switch their sight between their "regular vision" and the magnified vision through the telescope by just a slight downward tilt of the head. It is fast and convenient to do.
How do bioptic telescopes help?
Telescopes help by making the image larger, allowing the user to see things further away. For instance, if an individual can normally see a sign no further than 10 feet away, when looking through a 4x power telescope they will now be able to see the sign from 40 feet away. Ocutech bioptic telescopes can be focused for different distances enabling them to be used for both distance, mid-range, and near magnification purposes. When looking at closer distances such as computer screens the image is enlarged without having to move very close to the screen.
Ocutech VES Systems are appropriate for all bioptic telescope applications for far, intermediate and near distances, and for a full range of visual activities. The individual's specific visual needs, established in consultation with their low vision specialist, will determine which Ocutech device, if any, will be most appropriate to achieve their functional goals.
Why are Ocutech VES Bioptic Telescopes Better?
Studies have shown that the most important features of bioptic telescopes are field of view, weight, appearance and ease of focus. As telescopes increase in power, they increase in length and their fields of view decrease in size. In lower powers (2x to 3x) Galilean optical designs can provide ample fields of view for most purposes, however above 3x the wider fields of view of Keplerian optical designs are usually preferred.
Ocutech’s Keplerian optical designs, called VES systems, are an innovative combination of telescopic and periscopic optics. They are the only Keplerian bioptic telescopes that provide the combination of wide field of view, light weight, compactness and wearing comfort that experienced users prefer. Low Vision specialists prefer them because they are easy and convenient to fit, and can be readjusted at any time.
Ocutech’s VES bioptic telescopes use the highest-quality Keplerian optics to provide the widest field of view possible in a bioptic telescope. Our pioneering engineering, including the world’s only autofocus bioptic telescope (VES - AutoFocus), provide the easiest and most convenient focusing available in any bioptic telescope system.
What’s the difference between Keplerian and Galilean telescopes?
Keplerian telescopes use a complicated combination of lenses and prisms to produce the widest field of view and sharpest edge-to-edge image possible. Galilean telescopes contain fewer lenses and no prisms making them smaller and lighter, but since they provide a narrower field of view and less edge sharpness they are most valuable in lower magnification powers.
Ocutech VES bioptic telescopes are designed to provide users what they ask for— higher power devices with a wide field of view, light weight, bright and sharp optics, and an appealing design. Ocutech is a leader in designing quality bioptic telescopes that offer the highest level of performance and convenience. Tens of thousands are in use by individuals throughout the world.
What kind of visual impairments are Ocutech Bioptics indicated for?
Ocutech systems are intended for individuals of any age with vision loss affecting central vision with best corrected spectacle visual acuity between 20/60 and 20/400. Vision should be responsive to telescopic magnification and the individual should have activity goals appropriate for telescopic devices.
Diagnoses responsive to Ocutech systems include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, albinism, myopic degeneration, nystagmus, Stargardt’s Disease, Optic Atrophy, Macular holes, achromatopsia, retinopathy of prematurity and many others.
How do I know if I’m a promising candidate for an Ocutech Bioptic?
If you can answer YES to the following questions you may be a good candidate for Ocutech bioptic systems. You should consult your low vision specialist or
CLICK HERE for the name of an Ocutech prescriber near you.
- Is your vision loss due to macular degeneration or a similar disorder that causes a loss of central, detail vision?
- Is vision in the better eye with your best eyeglass prescription (if used) 20/400 (6/120) or better?
- Can you read headlines on a newspaper?
- Can you watch TV or recognize people's faces from farther than 2 feet away?
- Do you understand that this device is designed to help you see better at distance and midrange for faces, signs, TV, computer screens, shopping and traveling?
What can Ocutech Bioptics be used for?
Ocutech systems will be found helpful for viewing television, movies and theater, seeing faces, signs, blackboards in school, shopping, traveling, table-top activities including card and game playing, and mid range activities such as reading music and the computer. Ocutech users have even used their systems to drive, hike, golf, bowl, paint, fish and mow the lawn.
How can I find an Ocutech low vision specialist?
Many cities have low vision centers and eye doctors who specialize in low vision care. Fill out our
PRESCRIBER REFERRAL form, or contact Ocutech by phone or email for the names of Ocutech prescribers near you.
Must I use the frames provided by Ocutech?
Ocutech frames have been specially designed or selected to meet the demands of incorporating low vision aids. The frames must be sturdy so that they will maintain their proper positioning. Some are specially designed so that Ocutech Bioptics can be attached. Most VES systems must be used with frames provided by Ocutech. The VES- Mini can be attached to other suitable frames.
CLICK HERE to view our frame technical sheet.
In what powers are Ocutech low vision aids available?
Ocutech makes VES systems in 3x, 4x and 6x powers. Not all systems are available in all powers. Consult the
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CHART for information about power availability.
Why can't I order directly from Ocutech?
Low vision specialists are experienced in determining important technical details needed to properly order Ocutech low vision aids. We are happy to assist your prescriber in placing your order or to refer you to an Ocutech specialist closest to you.
What is the warranty policy?
Ocutech warrants each of their products against defects in manufacture. The specific warranties are contained on the individual technical sheets for each product.
Can I insure my Ocutech low vision aids?
Yes. Most homeowner's insurance policies will allow you to add your Ocutech system as a rider much like they do for cameras and jewelry. Contact your insurance broker for additional information.
Legal issues about driving with bioptics
Many states in the US and some countries allow visually impaired individuals to use bioptic telescopes to drive. However each Motor Vehicle Agency has its own rules and regulations regarding driving with bioptics. You should consult your low vision specialist and your jurisdiction's Department of Motor Vehicles to determine the requirements for using bioptics for driving in your community. Decisions regarding driving with bioptics rest solely with the licensing agency, the prescriber and the user. Ocutech makes no claims regarding the fitness of any of its devices or the fitness of any individual using bioptic devices for driving.
Can insurance help pay for my Ocutech bioptic?
Insurance benefits vary widely between carriers and policies. You should consult your benefit information brochure or contact your insurance carrier to determine what benefits you may have.
There are several insurance codes that may be helpful to determine whether your insurance benefits will help you in obtaining an Ocutech bioptic system:
HCPCS V2615 (2011): Telescopic and other compound lens system
92355: Professional dispensing fee
92392: Supply of low vision aid- material costs