Fulfilling hopes of independence
The MedRVA Foundation’s Low Vision Center gave 17-year-old Grayson the tools he needed to see and drive safely.
There’s no cure for low vision. But there is hope.
Since 1997, the MedRVA Low Vision Center has been helping people with vision impairment achieve greater independence and do the things they love. Our caring, compassionate low vision specialists provide the support patients need. We treat everyone, regardless of ability to pay.
Call 804-545-9435 to schedule an appointment.
What is low vision?
Low vision is a visual impairment that is not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery.
Low vision interferes with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities–things like reading, driving, working, and caring for yourself or your family.
Low vision rehabilitation involves making the most of your remaining eyesight and finding alternative ways of doing things when you can’t see well. Our low vision specialists will prescribe the best optical and non-optical aids for your unique needs and teach you how to use them.
What to expect
When you come to the Low Vision Center, the first step is a detailed vision exam. You’ll have a conversation: What are your vision challenges? What are your goals? What’s most important to you?
Your doctor may prescribe specific optical aids or magnifying devices. Our occupational therapists can teach you how to use these devices, as well as help you adapt to reading, writing, shopping, cooking, and living with low vision.
Low vision rehabilitation is not a cure for your eye condition. It’s essential to follow up with your medical eye care provider (ophthalmologist or optometrist) as directed to maintain your ocular health and remaining vision.
What causes low vision?
Many different conditions can cause low vision. These include, but are not limited to:
- Achromatopsia
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Aniridia
- Cornea disease
- Diabetic eye disease
- Glaucoma
- Rod-cone dystrophy
- Optic atrophy
- Vision impairment from stroke and other neurological disorders
Meet the team
Jamie Pucci, OD
Director, MedRVA
Low Vision Center
Dr. Pucci helps people with low vision lead fulfilling, independent lives. She approaches each patient with the same care and understanding she would extend to her own family. One of the highlights of her work is evaluating bioptic telescopes, which can help some individuals regain or achieve the ability to drive. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Pucci enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with her family
Angelene Rapone, OD
Dr. Rapone provides low vision rehabilitation at the MedRVA Low Vision Center as well as comprehensive eye care at CrossOver Healthcare Ministry. She is passionate about providing exceptional, individualized care to each patient, with an emphasis on patient education and compassion. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, playing basketball and volleyball, and spending time outdoors.
Mary Bullock, MS, CRC, OTR/L
Mary Bullock has empowered thousands of individuals to live well with vision loss throughout her career in occupational therapy. Mary treats each person with patience, kindness, and confidence in their ability to succeed. Whether it’s teaching someone how to use a magnifier or assisting with smartphone accessibility, Mary makes sure that each individual’s unique needs are met. Outside of work, Mary enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, shopping for antiques, and visiting coffee shops
Low vision aids and devices
We often recommend specific devices to help with activities of daily living. These include:
- Electronic magnifiers
- High-powered glasses for reading
- Illuminated hand-held and stand magnifiers
- Specialty tinted glasses
- Telescopic lenses (bioptics)
- Text-to-speech devices
Most insurance companies, including Medicare, do not pay for low vision devices. We are committed to helping each person we work with obtain the best device for their needs, regardless of their ability to pay. We work with the Richmond VA Medical Center, local Lions Clubs, and the state-run Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired to help patients overcome financial obstacles to obtaining the devices they need.
Low vision support group
Join our monthly Low Vision Support Group! Anyone experiencing vision loss in the community is welcome.
When?
The second Wednesday of each month.
Where?
Conference Room
8700 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23235
Remote options are available as well.
How? If you or a loved one would like to attend, please email [email protected] or call 804-545-9435.
More low vision resources
Visit these organizations’ sites:
FAQ
What should I bring to my appointment?
Any glasses, magnifiers, or other low vision devices that you use (whether they work well for you or not.) Please also bring identification, your health insurance cards, and a list of your medications.
Will insurance cover the cost of my visit?
Most insurance companies, including Medicare, pay their usual and customary reimbursements for your examination with our low vision optometrists and evaluation and management with our occupational therapists if you are visually impaired.
**Referrals are not needed for most insurance companies (including Medicare), however HMO plans (i.e., Anthem HealthKeepers) require referrals prior to your appointment.
Will insurance pay for any low vision aids or devices I need?
Most insurance companies do not pay for low vision devices. We are committed to helping each person we work with obtain the best device for their needs, regardless of their ability to pay. We work with the Richmond VA Medical Center, local Lions Clubs, and state-run Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired to help patients overcome financial obstacles to obtaining the devices they need.
I’m having difficulty doing my job. Can the Low Vision Center help?
Yes. Did you know that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides you some safeguards if you are visually impaired? Consult ADA.gov for specific information regarding the ADA. In general, the ADA requires employers to make reasonable accommodations to meet your vision needs relative to your work or job. This may include providing you with necessary magnifiers, software, or other devices that allow you to perform your job tasks. We can help determine what equipment would be most necessary for your at work.
What age patients do you help?
We help people of all ages, from toddlers to 100 years+. If you have a baby with a vision impairment, we would also love to meet with you and discuss services that may be helpful now and in the future. Regardless of your age or eye condition, we will evaluate you to determine what aids and support will be helpful in your daily life.
How many visits will I need?
It depends! Your initial visit is usually with both an optometrist and an occupational therapist. Follow-up visits will be scheduled as needed.
For more information
Call 804-545-9435 or email [email protected]. Providers fax a referral to
804-545-9440.
