Lighthouse Central Florida and Low Vision Resources in Orlando

Intro

Many individuals with low vision need more than glasses or magnification. Patients with macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa, albinism, optic nerve disease, diabetic retinopathy, and other causes of vision loss often benefit from rehabilitation services that help maximize independence and quality of life.

What is Lighthouse Central Florida?

  • Nonprofit serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired
  • Independent living training
  • Orientation and mobility instruction
  • Assistive technology training
  • Vocational services
  • Children’s programs
  • Support groups

How Eye In Vision and Lighthouse Work Together

EYE Invision

Lighthouse Central Florida

Low vision examinations

Vision rehabilitation

Bioptic driving evaluations

Orientation & mobility

Specialty optical devices

Assistive technology training

Medical eye care

Independent living skills

Contact lenses

Vocational support

Who May Benefit?

Macular Degeneration

Patients often use:

  • Magnifiers
  • Electronic magnification
  • Contrast enhancement
  • Rehabilitation training

Stargardt Disease

Young adults often benefit from:

  • School accommodations
  • Electronic devices
  • Orientation and mobility services

Retinitis Pigmentosa

May require:

  • Peripheral vision training
  • Mobility instruction
  • Assistive technology

Diabetic Retinopathy

Can benefit from:

  • Magnification
  • Reading aids
  • Home adaptations

FAQ

What is low vision?

Low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with regular glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Individuals with low vision often experience difficulty reading, recognizing faces, driving, or performing daily tasks. Low vision rehabilitation focuses on maximizing remaining vision and independence.

What is a low vision examination?

A low vision examination is a specialized evaluation designed to assess how vision loss affects daily activities. During the examination, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, reading ability, glare sensitivity, and functional vision are evaluated. Recommendations may include magnification devices, electronic technology, specialty lenses, and rehabilitation services.

What eye conditions commonly cause low vision?

Common causes of low vision include:

Can low vision be cured?

Many causes of low vision are permanent. While treatment may slow progression or preserve existing vision, low vision rehabilitation focuses on helping individuals make the best use of their remaining vision through devices, technology, and training.

Does Lighthouse Central Florida provide medical eye care?

No. Lighthouse Central Florida provides vision rehabilitation services, orientation and mobility training, assistive technology instruction, vocational services, and independent living support. Medical eye examinations and low vision evaluations are provided by eye care professionals such as EYE Invision.

Do I need a low vision examination before receiving rehabilitation services?

A low vision examination is often beneficial because it identifies the specific visual challenges a person is experiencing and determines which devices, technology, or strategies may be most helpful. Many individuals participate in both medical low vision care and rehabilitation services.

What types of devices can help people with low vision?

Depending on the individual’s needs, recommendations may include:

  • Handheld magnifiers
  • Stand magnifiers
  • Electronic video magnifiers
  • Wearable technology
  • Bioptic telescopes
  • Specialty filters
  • Large-print materials
  • Screen readers and accessibility software

Can low vision rehabilitation help me continue working?

Many individuals with vision loss continue to work successfully with appropriate accommodations, assistive technology, and rehabilitation training. Services may include workplace adaptations, accessibility software, magnification devices, and vocational support.

What areas do EYE Invision and Lighthouse Central Florida serve?

EYE Invision and Lighthouse Central Florida serve individuals throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Winter Garden, Horizon West, Lake Nona, Clermont, Kissimmee, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Windermere, and surrounding communities.

FAQ – Children’s Low Vision Care

Can children benefit from low vision services?

Yes. Children with visual impairments such as albinism, optic nerve disorders, Stargardt disease, achromatopsia, and other inherited retinal conditions may benefit from low vision evaluations, school accommodations, assistive technology, and rehabilitation services designed to support educational success and independence.

Does my child need a low vision evaluation?

A low vision evaluation may be beneficial if your child has difficulty reading, seeing the board at school, recognizing faces at a distance, experiencing light sensitivity, or has been diagnosed with a visual impairment. A comprehensive low vision assessment can identify strategies, devices, and accommodations that may improve academic performance and daily functioning.

What other considerations are there?

“I was told nothing more could be done for my vision. After seeing Dr. Huynh, I can read again and feel independent.”

Eleanor S.