Hands On - FOCUS ON LOW VISION
A Case for LV: Part II
by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

In this second of our two-part series on opticians in low vision, we look at three more business formats that allow opticians the opportunity to enter the arena of low vision.

CASE STUDY 1
Format: Optometric practice

Name: Bill Rusin

Location: Twin Tiers Eye Care, Binghamton, N.Y.

Low vision was part of our practice when I came on board. The original OD, who is still with us, had an interest in low vision. I embraced that interest, took a few seminars, and learned as I went along. I've been in the business nearly 30 years.

Over the past few years, the changes in the field have been dramatic. Effective headsets, electronic magnifiers, and miniaturization of technology have created a user friendly marketplace. User friendly is the catchphrase in low vision today.

Primarily, we see patients with macular degeneration and have many referral bases, including AVRE and the New York and Pennsylvania Commissions for the Blind. Even though we are a town of around 50,000, our referral base covers an area of over 200,000. We've even gotten some patients from Louisiana and Saudi Arabia who've sought help via our Website.

It pays to be an expert in this field. In our area, we're known as the experts, the go-to folks, which helps us maintain our referral base and gain new patients.

Low vision expert Alex Yoho, ABOM, shares his knowledge at Hawkins Optical, a lab based in Topeka, Kan.

CASE STUDY 2
Format: Wholesale laboratory

Name: Alex Yoho, ABOM

Operation: Hawkins Optical, Topeka, Kan.

I've been in the low vision field for about 25 years, starting with assembling telescopes into eyewear. Telescopic eyewear has always been my specialty, and although I've had no formal training, I've studied, received help from optometric friends, and have achieved success through trial and error. Now I create and dispense low vision aids and run a scope-mounting service with accounts from coast to coast.

What I do helps people so much that I'll probably do it for the rest of my life. I like the challenge of working with odd things, like ptosis crutches, moisture chambers, Peli-style prisms, or hemianopic mirrors. I get to do things that most opticians never do.

A successful low vision model includes a consistent referral cycle. The ECP refers to the low vision ECP who refers back to the original ECP for regular exams and check-ups and also refers to opticians for LV eyewear and devices and then to other healthcare professionals for proper training. With this model, everyone wins.

The demand for more low vision experts is growing exponentially.

CASE STUDY 3
Format: Family business

Names: Dan, Gail, and Adam Stromstad, LDOs

Locations: Harbor Optical, Tacoma and Gig Harbor, Wash.

All three Stromstads are licensed dispensing opticians who are trained in low vision. Husband and wife Dan and Gail started Harbor Optical 18 years ago, and son Adam has since joined them. Low vision is a successful portion of their business.

I took a class in low vision and earned LV certification years ago. Part of the class involved wearing glasses that simulated what it might be like to have a low vision condition. That motivated me to bring LV into our practice and install a complete low vision center in our offices.

We go to peoples' homes to fit and dispense devices if necessary. We also visit care facilities. This service helps us get to people who can't get to us, and it keeps us foremost in their minds when it comes to referrals.

Our largest challenge and greatest joy is dealing with older folks. They are hesitant to spend money on themselves, so they can be indecisive. We explain that their quality of life through better vision will always be money well spent.