When faced with a new health condition, our immediate instinct is often to ask, "How can we cure this?" In low vision, however, our aim is different. The goal isn't to cure low vision; it's to help you thrive with it. And what thriving looks like is a unique and personal journey for every patient.

The true focus of low vision care shouldn't be the diagnosis itself, but the functions you've lost as a result of it. For one person, thriving might mean being able to play cards again, a favorite hobby. In this case, a simple solution like a set of large-print playing cards could be an incredibly useful low vision device.

For an avid reader, however, those same playing cards would be useless. A solution for them might be a Kindle or a similar device that allows for adjustable font sizes. It’s about matching the tool to the task, not just the eyes.

The Power of Asking the Right Questions

While a diagnosis is crucial for an ophthalmologist addressing the physiological effects of a condition, our work at Chadwick is centered on the functional effects. We must ask: "What is it about your low vision that is reducing your quality of life?"

Without this question, we risk offering solutions that are completely ineffective. If a device doesn't help you do the things you care about, it's not a solution at all. This shift in perspective changes the hardware we recommend.

Reframing the Narrative

Instead of asking, "What’s the best tint for macular degeneration?" we ask, "When are you most bothered by light?"

• Scenario A: If you are bothered by overhead fluorescent lights in a grocery store, you might need a specific indoor filter.
• Scenario B: If the glare from a computer screen is the culprit, the solution is entirely different.

So much of the industry, including many practitioners in the eye care world, misses the mark on low vision because they are hyper-focused on the diagnosis and not on the functional impairment you are experiencing. By prioritizing function, we can find optical tools that truly help you thrive.

At Chadwick, we’re the optical nerds who care more about your "to-do list" than your chart notes. We want to know what you want to see, and then we build the filter to get you there.

Ready to find the right functional tools for your daily life?

Browse Functional Low Vision Aids

Have a question about how to address a specific visual task?

Send it to our "Ask Chadwick" video series here.