"Low Vision" is vision loss that can no longer be corrected by a medical procedure or treatment.  It is the third most commonly occurring impairment among people ages 70 and above.  People with low vision can use their sight, unlike a totally blind person. For someone with low vision, the degree of usable sight will vary from person to person.

The Lions Low Vision Center of Eastern Connecticut has partnered with various facilities staffed by occupational therapists who dispense low vision aids and trains individuals to use these devices which are designed to enhance remaining vision. With ongoing support from you and the Lions of District 23-C , we offer these devices to anyone who has low vision but is not legally blind.

Our partners works personally with each client to identify the challenges faced day to day. Our Partners gathers information about the clients condition, including reviewing any medical data available. This interview process is one of the biggest differences between our services and other resources available to our clients. We do not focus on the clinical aspect of a clients condition. We concentrate on finding ways to help our clients overcome their challenges. We listen to clients when they tell us what is important to them and what they really wish they could continue to do. We want to help our clients not just tolerate their vision loss, but optimize their remaining vision to attain a level of enjoying life again.

Our partners supplies devices to help clients. These devices range from magnifiers to lamps to large digit calculators and clocks, as well as a staggering array of practical real world tools to help clients maintain or regain their independence. The licensed optician also instructs clients in the proper use of these devices, and matches the proper devices to each client's individual needs. Our clients benefit from far more than just devices though. Our partners introduces them to techniques and tools that are often simple, but never before mentioned to a client. Aids can be simple, such as a signature guide template to enable a client to sign checks or recommending the use of high contrast tools such as dark plates or dark bristle toothbrushes or simple floating markers to use as indicators when filling a glass.

Of course, more sophisticated equipment has also been supplied to clients, in some cases even closed circuit television based magnification devices have been made available. And it's not only about tasks- sometimes it's about enjoyment, as when a client is given large print playing cards to help them enjoy a pastime they thought was lost forever.