Vision loss doesn’t always mean total blindness. For millions of people, it means living with reduced sight that can’t be fully corrected with glasses, surgery, or medication and learning how to adapt to daily life as a result. This condition, known as low vision, often stems from eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or inherited retinal disorders.
February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a time to recognize the millions of people living with reduced vision — and the hope available through modern low vision rehabilitation
Why Low Vision Care Is Important: Vision loss can impact everyday activities like driving, reading, cooking, and recognizing faces. Many patients are told there are no remaining treatment options, leaving them feeling discouraged or dependent. Low vision rehabilitation focuses on maximizing remaining vision using customized devices and training — helping people maintain independence, confidence, and quality of life. Localize it:
For people navigating life with vision loss, the path forward can feel uncertain. In Charlotte, specialized low vision care is changing what’s possible for patients seeking greater independence.
At The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina, Dr. Alexandra Robertson works with patients facing complex eye conditions to maximize their remaining vision. One of those patients is Natasha, a 27-year-old Charlotte graduate student who had been told by multiple doctors she would never be able to drive.
After searching for alternatives, Natasha found Dr. Robertson’s practice. She was fitted with a bioptic telescope that improved her vision enough to meet North Carolina DMV driving requirements. As a result, Natasha is now able to pursue her driver’s license — an important step toward greater independence.
Dr. Robertson specializes in treating patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, inherited retinal diseases, and other causes of low vision. Unlike standard eyeglasses, low vision rehabilitation uses customized visual devices and training to help patients maintain daily function and confidence.
“Many of our patients are told nothing can be done, and that simply isn’t true,” Dr. Robertson said. “Our goal is to help people reach their visual goals and continue living independently.”
Charlotte-area residents experiencing vision loss — or caring for someone who is — are encouraged to explore low vision rehabilitation options. Learn more or schedule a low vision evaluation with Dr. Alexandra Robertson at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina to discover what may still be possible.
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