Low Vision Service FAQ

• What is low vision?
• I've been told nothing can be done to help my vision. Why should I come to the Low Vision Service?
• Where are you located? Where can I park?
• Do I need a doctor's referral to visit the Low Vision Service?
• Why do I need to complete an intake form or answer detailed intake questions?
• 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?

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

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. Our aim is to improve your visual function through the effective use of assessment, training, counselling and assistive devices.

As of October 21, 2024, the Low Vision Service of the George and Judy Woo Centre for Sight Enhancement is located at 419 Phillip St., Unit C, Waterloo. This is the interim location of our Waterloo clinic while the Waterloo Eye Institute is under construction. It will remain open until the permanent location of the Waterloo Eye Institute reopens, expected to be in late 2026.

Parking is free at our interim location. More information and directions can be found on our Waterloo Clinic page.

While we certainly accept referrals, you do not need a referral to visit us. Just give us a call at 519-888-4708.

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. Depending on your needs and preferences, we may gather this information either by asking you questions on the phone or asking you to fill out a form.

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 that might be the most beneficial for you before your appointment so we can focus on your goals and devices that would help.

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. If you don’t have a regular eye care professional, you can visit our Primary Care Service for a comprehensive eye exam.

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.

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.

Absolutely. The Waterloo Clinic has accessible parking and washrooms and we can help you find a private space 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 an interpreter, care provider, intervener or friend. We are also able to arrange for a language (including ASL) interpreter if needed.

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 the accessibility of our services, please use the University's accessibility feedback form.

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

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.

In addition to hotels, 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.

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.
• 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.
• A friend or family member.
• Payment for appointment.
• Snacks and a water bottle. Please note that there is no food for sale onsite at our interim location, though there is a plaza a two-minute drive away where there are several restaurants.
• Sweater, medications or other items you might need during your visit to be comfortable.

CCTVs, 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.

Please see the Ministry of Health's Assistive Devices Program (ADP) webpage.