Looking for directions to the Optometry Clinics, parking or other information? Check what to expect at your appointment or call the Centre for Sight Enhancement Low Vision Clinic at 519-888-4708.
- What is low vision?
- I've been told nothing can be done to help my vision. Why should I come to the clinic?
- Do I need a doctor's referral to visit the Low Vision Clinic?
- Why do I need to complete an intake form?
- Why do I have to send a doctor's report to you?
- How is a low vision assessment different from my regular eye exam?
- Why is there a charge for the appointment?
- Why do I have to have a low vision assessment before I have a CCTV or computer assessment?
- Can you accommodate patients with special needs?
- How long will the appointment take?
- What if I get tired during the appointment?
- Where can I stay overnight if I'm coming from out of town?
- What should I bring to my appointment?
- The CCTV I got from you isn't working. How do I return it for repair?
- Where can I get more information about the Assistive Devices Program?
Appointments at the Low Vision Clinic must be made by phone or email.
Please call 519-888-4708 or email lvclinic@uwaterloo.ca.
What is low vision?
Low vision is the term used when a person has vision loss and is unable to perform age-appropriate visual tasks even with medical or surgical treatment and/or by using conventional spectacles or contact lenses. Individuals with low vision may experience one or more of the following:
- reduced central vision
- reduced peripheral vision
- reduced ability to adjust to light, contrast, or glare
- loss of colour vision.
I've been told nothing can be done to help my vision. Why should I come to the clinic?
There may not be medical interventions which will cure your eye condition but there are still actions you can take and devices that may help you maximize the vision you have. We call this low vision rehabilitation and it is the focus of the Low Vision Clinic. Our aim is to improve your visual function through the effective use of assessment, training, counselling, and assistive devices.
Do I need a doctor's referral to visit the Low Vision Clinic?
You do not need a referral to visit the Low Vision Clinic. Just give us a call at 519-888-4708.
Why do I need to complete an intake form?
We offer many different services and numerous devices. Not all the services may be of interest to you and not all devices will fit your needs. By gathering information ahead of time, we can ensure that your appointment is focused on meeting the goals that are important to you.
Why do I have to send a doctor's report to you?
We want to ensure that you are still taking care of your eyes through a regular eye exam. The report also helps us make your visit here more efficient and effective. We can identify training and devices which might be the most beneficial for you before your appointment so we can focus on your goals and devices that would help.
How is a low vision assessment different from my regular eye exam?
The low vision assessment evaluates the vision you have. It assesses all aspects of vision including your visual acuity, peripheral vision, colour vision and ability to see contrast. We encourage you to continue to see your eye care professional for regular check-ups.
Why is there a charge for the appointment?
Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover low vision assessments by optometrists so we have to charge for appointments. The fee meets the Ontario Association of Optometrists' guidelines and allows us to continue to offer patients our comprehensive services.
If you receive ODSP, ACSD or OW benefits, live in a Northern community, have supplemental insurance or are a veteran, please speak to us. You may be eligible for full or partial coverage of the fee.
Why do I have to have a low vision assessment before I have a CCTV or computer assessment?
The CCTV and computer assessments are most successful if you are using current, up-to-date devices (i.e. reading glasses with a current prescription, tints, field enhancement devices, etc.) The low vision assessment will evaluate your need for these devices. The low vision assessment is also a requirement for Assistive Devices Program funding through the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Before you can be approved for a CCTV or a computer, you must have had a low vision assessment (not a regular eye exam) within the past year. You do not need to have had your low vision assessment done at our clinic.
Can you accommodate patients with special needs?
Absolutely. The clinic has accessible parking and washrooms and a private first aid room is available if you need to look after health needs or to rest. We can also space out your appointments over a number of visits to allow you to conserve your energy.
We can conduct assessments without the optometric chair if you have mobility concerns. You are welcome to bring a translator, care provider, intervener, or friend.
We can also provide:
- an UbiDuo, allowing real-time, face-to-face typed communication
- personal amplifiers if you have difficulties hearing
Please let us know what accommodations you need. We want to make your visit as comfortable and successful as possible.
If you have comments about accessibility in the Optometry Clinics, please use the University's accessibility feedback form.
How long will the appointment take?
The amount of time varies by the type of appointment. If you plan on selecting frames for glasses while you are here, you may need additional time. The length of time we schedule for appointments is as follows:
- Low vision assessment: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Activities of daily living and / or device training: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- CCTV assessment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Computer assessment: 2 hours
- Counselling: 1 hour
What if I get tired during the appointment?
We are happy to schedule appointments over multiple days and we can also take breaks during the appointment. We can also finish the appointment on another day if you are too tired to continue.
Where can I stay overnight if I'm coming from out of town?
Guest accommodations are available for rent at the University of Waterloo's United College residence, and in the summer at Conrad Grebel University College residence and the University of Waterloo's residences. Some hotels in the Kitchener-Waterloo area also offer a discounted rate for patients. Please speak with our booking coordinator at 519-888-4708 to obtain a list of hotels.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring the following:
- Any spectacles and devices (i.e. magnifiers) you are currently using. If the device is too large to bring with you, just make a note of the brand and model.
- Your health card. Even though OHIP does not cover the cost of the appointment, you need to have a current OHIP card to apply for ADP device funding.
- Sample reading material if you have identified reading as being difficult for you.
- List of medications you're taking.
- A copy of your ODSP, OW or ACSD statement for that month, if you receive these benefits. This is needed to receive additional ADP coverage.
- A friend or family member.
- Payment for appointment.
- Cash, debit or credit card if you wish to purchase lunch at the School's Eye Opener café.
- Sweater, snacks, medications or other items you might need during your visit to be comfortable.
- If you're having an assessment for a portable high technology device (i.e. laptop, tablet, smartphone) that you currently own, please bring that device with you.
The CCTV I got from you isn't working. How do I return it for repair?
CCTV's, which are leased, are still under warranty should be returned to SEEPAC at the University of Waterloo for repair. Your CCTV was shipped with an envelope with return labels and a form for the courier with our address and account number. If you do not have these documents, please call our shipper / receiver at 1-800-565-5965 for instructions. Additional information on returning the CCTV and instructions on how to pack it up are available at seepac.com.
Where can I get more information about the Assistive Devices Program?
More information about the Ministry of Health's Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is available on the Ministry's website.