What you should know about: Low vision aids

Assistive technology and devices for low vision can take the form of software, magnified video-based devices, smart technology or low-tech optical aids such as specialized glasses and magnifiers. There are also non-optical low vision aids such as large print watches, bold line paper and bump dots. Each person with low vision is different and once a suitable aid is determined for the individual's type and extent of visual impairment, the aids that work best for them can be a matter of personal preference.

If you think you would benefit from the use of assistive technology and other aids for low vision, contact the Waterloo Eye Institute’s Low Vision Service at 519-888-4708 or email LVclinic@uwaterloo.ca.

You will need to go through an intake process, including filling out an intake form (or answering detailed questions by phone) and asking your regular optometrist to share the records from your most recent eye exam. If you do not have a regular optometrist, you can book a comprehensive eye exam with the Waterloo Eye Institute by calling 519-888-4062.

After staff have reviewed your intake form and eye exam report, a patient care coordinator will contact you to book you for a full low vision assessment.

Optometric services, low vision therapists and high-tech assessors are typically offered by separate agencies, but the George & Judy Woo Centre for Sight Enhancement combines these services to offer a more comprehensive vision rehabilitation program. You may need to visit the clinic more than once to gain the full benefit of vision rehabilitation. For more information, see the Low Vision Service FAQ. 

Training and support

After the initial low vision assessment, you may work with a low vision therapist and high-tech assessor to trial different device options in the clinic. When trying new devices, you should consider how easy it is to use, the device’s appearance, how much the device costs and whether it will help you meet your specific goals (e.g. reading books and food labels, watching television, preparing food). This review will allow you to see which devices are most comfortable and allow you to accomplish your visual goals most efficiently. 

Sometimes the process of learning how to incorporate the devices and strategies into everyday activities may lead to frustration. Counselling services are available in addition to other available community resources if you need support as you adjust.

Once devices have been selected, you will have an opportunity to receive training on how to use the chosen device(s). The overall objective of this stage is to teach you to feel comfortable and confident in your ability to incorporate these aids into your daily life. 

A loan program of a range of optical aids is also available so you can to trial devices at home before purchasing. This allows you to ensure the aid lives up to your expectations and is suitable for the tasks you want to use it for. The low vision therapist will follow up to determine whether the device is compatible with your lifestyle. If not, the low vision therapist will enquire why it did not work and may suggest a return to the clinic to explore other devices. 

Funding

Low vision services are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), so there is a fee of $240 for the initial low vision assessment appointment. This fee is accurate as of 2025 but is subject to change. Supplemental health insurance plans, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) may cover the cost of the assessment. There are also funding options available for eligible clients to help with the costs of vision aids such as the Ministry of Health’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Additional funding support is available for consumers receiving benefits from ODSP, Ontario Works, or ACSD.

The University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science is ranked fifth worldwide in research output for schools of optometry. Low vision research, such as that done by Drs. Tammy Labreche, Shamrozé Khan and Ben Thompson, may focus on low vision service delivery, vision rehabilitation and much more within the low vision field. 

Two common causes of low vision are age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. Patients with these diseases may choose to use low vision aids to help them maintain independence. To learn more about these diseases and find out about relevant research, see: What you should know about: Macular degeneration and What you should know about: Glaucoma. 

Interested in participating in research? Check out our current studies recruiting participants.