Treating Low Vision

With the launch of a revolutionary new
clinic inside their Twinsburg Eye Associates,
Dr. Donald and Mary Perlmutter are changing the lives of low vision patients—and in many cases helping them see again.  

By: Mimi Vanderhaven
Date: 01/06/2010
Thirty-five years into his practice, Dr. Donald Perlmutter is firmly established, well loved, and a proven champion in the optometry field. His Twinsburg Eye Associates—located in its namesake city for the past 17 years—has become a regional leader in the eye care industry, incorporating the latest technological advancements. The practice offers comprehensive exams, an impressive optical boutique with more than 1,000 different designer frames, contact lens expertise, and a genuinely friendly and professional staff.   

By traditional practice standards, one might say he’s earned the right to slow down, perhaps even pull back from the patient population he’s given a good portion of his life to.

But that’s just not a part of his vision.

And it’s not his business partner—and wife—Mary’s vision either, which is why the two are embarking on what will certainly be a tremendous help and convenience, and aid to those who are faced with a vision loss.

The Gift of Vision
“He’s the clinical end and I’m the business end,” Mary warmly describes. “I wanted us to do something to broaden the practice and make it even more full-service.”

Both are quick to acknowledge how fortunate they feel to have had a devoted patient base and immense success these many years.

It’s the basis for what prompted Mary’s next move.

At a seminar she’d attended, one issue kept coming up: There aren’t any eye care professionals in the area who cater to low vision patients, a population that includes those afflicted with complications from diabetes, macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, general vision loss, and blindness.

“Most eye doctors aren’t equipped to do low vision exams, which means that these patients must often travel significant distances to receive proper care,” Dr. Perlmutter describes. “And there are no local resources available to these patients to aid them with their vision.”

In fact, most people have to visit low vision clinics many miles away, to get access to visual aids, like magnifiers, electronic reading machines, mobility canes and talking items (watches, scales and alarm clocks).

Mary just couldn’t see it continuing and decided to do something to help. That’s why she launched a low vision clinic within their Twinsburg Eye Associates.

“Many of us have been touched in our lives by a loved one or family member who suffers from a complete or partial loss of sight,” she says. “We all recognize what a gift vision is, but when it’s gone, or diminished, it has a dramatic effect on a person’s ability to function. Imagine if an illness or other conditions cause general vision loss, low vision or even blindness. Where would you go for help?”

Passionate about providing low vision patients with options, Mary sought the expertise of Debbie Kogler, a recognized expert on low vision, to help create a dedicated area within the practice to serve the needs of those requiring assistance.

Debbie has more than 28 years experience working with low vision patients and helped the team better understand which vision aids Twinsburg Eye Associates should include in its offerings to help patients remain as independent as possible.

Optometrist Dr. Michele Cianciolo brings more than 20 years to the team and is an expert on conducting low vision exams. “She completes the circle, adding a new dimension to the practice,” Mary comments.

Most low vision patients are referred to a specialist. With the addition of Dr. Cianciolo to the team, any identified cases will go to her, making a trip out of the area virtually unnecessary. “When people with a vision disability ask ‘Where do I go for help?’ we want to be the answer,” Mary says.

“Low vision assessments are available by appointment the same as a regular eye exam,” she explains. “It takes a little longer because it consists of four parts. There is also a significant portion of time spent determining which tasks are affected by the patient’s vision loss and which aids will best address those problems.”

“Many low vision patients aren’t even aware that help exists,” Mary interjects. “We hope to dramatically enhance the quality of their lives and in many cases enable patients to return to doing the things they love, like cooking, reading, driving, watching TV, and playing cards.”

The process includes meeting with a patient one-on-one to find the aids that will allow him to use his remaining vision most effectively; training him to use the optical and non-optical devices in his home, at work, or with his hobbies; providing access to the latest technology in electronic magnification devices; and providing referrals to other services and organizations that can assist with independent living.

“We’ve relied on Debbie’s expertise to ensure that our patients have access to an impressive selection of vision aids,” Mary says, noting the more than 65 different kinds of magnifiers, magnification glasses for TV, magnification software for computer use, distance magnification tools, glare control glasses and—the most important aid for a visually impaired person—natural light lamps. 

“We have ‘reading machines’ available that have enabled patients to read the newspaper when they have previously been diagnosed as being ‘legally blind’,” she says. “We hope that our new low vision clinic will dramatically enhance the quality of life of those suffering with a vision loss.”

To schedule low vision exam, or to find out if you are a candidate for a low vision exam, call the Twinsburg Eye Associates’ offices at 330-425-2020. Hours are Monday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Closed Wednesdays, Sundays and the first Saturday of each month. The address is 9224 Darrow Road, in Twinsburg. The website is
www.twinsburgeye.com.

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