Role of the Low Vision Specialist

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 12, 2025

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision refers to a significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, but in which some useful vision remains. Individuals with low vision may benefit from specialized evaluations, tools, and strategies to help them use their remaining vision more effectively.

​Why a Low Vision Evaluation Is Important

​Anyone who is visually impaired and has usable vision should receive a clinical low vision evaluation. This evaluation is essential for determining which optical or non-optical devices can best support their ability to function in daily life, school, or work.
While a primary eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) focuses on diagnosing and treating eye conditions to maximize visual health, the clinical low vision specialist focuses on maximizing functional vision—how a person uses their remaining vision for real-world tasks.
A low vision evaluation should be considered when:
  • A person has been newly diagnosed with low vision.
  • There is a change in visual functioning or educational performance.
  • A student may benefit from assistive devices or functional strategies.
  • A teacher, therapist, or family member observes a struggle with daily visual tasks.

​What Does a Low Vision Specialist Do?

​A clinical low vision specialist may be:
  • A specially trained optometrist or ophthalmologist.
  • A university-trained professional with advanced expertise in low vision rehabilitation.
These specialists have training in:
  • Low vision testing techniques.
  • Use of adaptive tools and technology.
  • Prescribing and teaching the use of low vision devices.
Their role is to determine how to enhance an individual’s remaining vision so they can function more independently in their environments. They assess needs related to reading, writing, distance vision, using digital devices, navigating unfamiliar areas, and more.

​Tools and Strategies Provided

​Following a thorough assessment, the low vision specialist may prescribe or recommend:
  • Optical devices such as handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers, monocular telescopes, or high-powered reading glasses.
  • Electronic devices such as video magnifiers (CCTVs), screen readers, or tablet-based magnification apps.
  • Non-optical aids such as reading stands, enhanced lighting, large-print materials, or writing guides.
  • Training in how to use prescribed devices effectively in everyday tasks.
Some specialists may offer trial periods with loaned devices and schedule follow-up visits to assess progress and adjust as needed.

​What Makes a Low Vision Evaluation Unique?

A low vision evaluation is more comprehensive than a routine eye exam. It uses specialized charts and tools to assess:
  • Distance vision
  • Intermediate vision (e.g., computer use)
  • Near vision (e.g., reading and writing)
These tools are tailored to the functional needs of the individual and go beyond prescribing regular eyeglasses. The evaluation includes a thorough understanding of how vision is used during:
  • School tasks
  • Work activities
  • Daily living tasks at home or in the community
Even when optical aids are not appropriate, the specialist may recommend techniques and environmental modifications to improve functional vision.

​A Key Partner in Vision Rehabilitation

​The clinical low vision specialist plays a vital role in a multidisciplinary team, which may include:
  • Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs)
  • Orientation and Mobility Specialists
  • Occupational and Physical Therapists
  • Assistive Technology Specialists
Together, this team supports the individual in making the best use of their vision, increasing independence, participation, and quality of life.
The Code of Federal Regulations (34 CFR), see 300.532: Assessment/Low Vision Assessment and Evaluation states that state and local educational agencies shall ensure that, at a minimum, tests and other evaluation materials must be validated and tailored to assess specific areas of educational need for individual students with visual impairments. Students must be assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability.