Do You Have Low Vision?

Having permanently reduced vision due to an eye disease or injury makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as reading or watching television.

If regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine and/or surgery cannot further restore your vision, you may have low vision.

Bring a Consultation Request Form to your doctor.

What are Your Options?

In 1956, The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired opened its low vision rehabilitation service, the oldest in America. Since its inception, we have continued our pioneering mission: to bring the most advanced devices and professional services to our patients. At the Dr. Alfred A. Rosenbloom Low Vision Rehabilitation Service, you can:

1. Consult our specially trained optometrists for a comprehensive low vision examination, which takes approximately 11/2 to 2 hours depending upon the severity of your vision loss and your goals. After the exam, special devices may be prescribed to help you maximize the use of your remaining vision. Book Appointment Now

2. Then, meet with our rehabilitation professional, who will train you on the use of prescribed devices and activities of daily living and recommend non-optical devices that use large print and/or speech output.

3. The Bergman Institute for Psychological Support can help you adjust to the psychological and social issues that can make living with low vision challenging.

4. Obtain other Lighthouse programs including: Employment Services, Deaf-Blind Services, Adaptive Technology, Seniors Services, CRIS Radio, Orientation & Mobility Training, Early Childhood Intervention, and the Tools for Living Retail Store.

What Will Help You See Better?

Certain specific visual tasks can be performed with the help of prescriptive low vision devices. At The Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Rehabilitation Service, we have a complete selection of devices ranging from prescription magnifiers to state-of-the-art high-tech solutions.

Will Your Insurance Cover the Examination Cost?

Standard Medicare part B, Medicaid and many private insurances cover some of the cost of a low vision examination. Deductibles, co-payments and the refraction fee to determine your correct eyeglass and magnifier prescription are usually not covered. Also, the exam is typically not covered by HMOs. The Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services may cover the examination cost, if serving you will assist in your retaining or attaining employment. If interested in making an appointment, Book Appointment Now or call us at 312-997-3686.

Will Your Insurance Cover the Cost Of Prescribed Devices?

Standard Medicare part B and most private insurances do not cover the cost of low vision devices. Again, the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services may cover the cost of these devices, especially if serving you will assist in your retaining or attaining employment. A sliding fee scale may be applied to the cost of some devices if financial need exists. No one is denied services due to lack of ability to pay. If interested in making an appointment, Book Appointment Now or call us at 312-997-3686.