The Lions Low Vision Center of Texas at the Health Science Center is opening its doors for all health professionals to come to an open house from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11.
The open house will provide an opportunity for health care professionals to see the resources and technology that are available for patients with low vision. The center is in the Allied Health Building at 8403 Floyd Curl.
Low vision is a severe chronic impairment that limits a person’s ability to complete everyday activities, such as cooking, reading and driving. For patients whose vision cannot be improved with glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery the center can provide help.
The center does not restore lost vision, but through rehabilitation teaches people to effectively use their remaining vision. Established in September 2003, it is the only place in San Antonio where ophthalmologists, optometrists and occupational therapists work together to provide comprehensive services to patients.
"If someone loses his or her vision, he or she needs rehabilitation just like someone who has lost a leg," said Sandra M. Fox, O.D., director of the center and assistant professor in the department of ophthalmology. “We want to give other physicians and health care providers an opportunity to see what we can do to improve quality of life for their patients with vision loss.”
Low vision can be caused by strokes or trauma but is most common in patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
