Midwest Low Vision

12/16/2025

Peripheral Vision Loss: Specialized Glasses That Can Help

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

Did you know: You can have “poor vision” and still not be considered a low vision patient.

Low vision is about function—not the number on the chart. If your vision loss keeps you from doing the things you care about, that’s when a low vision evaluation can help.

Read the full breakdown of what low vision really means in our new post:
https://midwestlowvision.com/what-is-low-vision-exactly/

12/09/2025

Holly, Annette, and Dr. Jarrod Long are in there somewhere with the rest of these hooligans. Thank you for trusting us with your advanced low vision care!

Our crazy crew, your super service!
Happy Holidays!
P.S., thank you, loyal patients, for putting up with us. 😀

12/03/2025

Finding the perfect gift can be tough!

If you have someone with low vision in your life, consider these ideas:

🎁 Magnifiers with LED lighting for reading
🎁 Adaptive kitchen or household tools
🎁 Talking devices for clocks, thermometers, or scales
🎁 Audiobooks or subscriptions to accessible media

These thoughtful gifts go a long way to help a loved one improve safety and maintain independence.

12/01/2025

Wow.

11/25/2025

Low vision vs. legally blind—what's the difference?

The terms "low vision" and "legally blind" are often used interchangeably, but they actually describe different levels of visual impairment.

Low vision refers to vision loss that can’t be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. People with low vision may still have some usable sight, but they often need specialized tools like magnifiers, telescopic lenses, or assistive technology to make the most of it.

Legally blind is a specific definition used for legal and benefits purposes, not a diagnosis. In the U.S., a person is considered legally blind if their best corrected visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in their better-seeing eye, or if their peripheral vision is 20 degrees or less.

It is not either/or. You can have low vision and be legally blind. On the other hand, you can have low vision but not necessarily meet the legal requirements to be classified legally blind.

11/19/2025

True or false: People with 20/200 vision can obtain a drivers license?

True!

Through the use of bioptic telescopic glasses and training with a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS), qualified individuals may become licensed bioptic drivers.

Learn more in our recent blog post, "Ready to Drive Again? How Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation and Your Low Vision Doctor Can Help," which discusses how Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation program, the BMV, and low vision care come together to help you get behind the wheel.

https://midwestlowvision.com/ready-to-drive-again-how-indiana-vocational-rehabilitation-and-your-low-vision-doctor-can-help/

11/13/2025

It seems like AI is everywhere nowadays—and optometry is no exception.

A team of researchers in China has developed VIPTour, an AI-driven system designed to help people with vision loss independently explore and enjoy nature.

Spending time outdoors is tremendous for our health, but people with low vision or blindness often miss out because there aren't assistive tools to facilitate active engagement with the environment. Instead of just avoiding obstacles, VIPTour highlights the most interesting and useful parts of the environment, making the experience safer and more enjoyable. Early testing showed big boosts in memory, confidence, and positive emotions for users. Innovation for good.

Learn more: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250608/AI-transforms-sightseeing-for-visually-impaired-users.aspx

11/05/2025

Did you know that some individuals with low vision may qualify to drive legally in the state of Indiana? Through the use of specialized bioptic telescopic lenses and the assistance of Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation, qualified individuals can regain independence behind the wheel.

Learn more about how this process works in our most recent blog post.

https://midwestlowvision.com/ready-to-drive-again-how-indiana-vocational-rehabilitation-and-your-low-vision-doctor-can-help/

10/28/2025

Interested in learning more about low vision? Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or a clinician, our monthly newsletter brings patient stories, practical advice, and our expertise in this field. Subscribe today to receive our updates straight to your inbox!

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