Telehealth for Patients with Vision Loss

Spectrios Institute for Low Vision is one of the first low vision clinics in the country to launch a telehealth program in the wake of COVID-19 closures. While the Deicke House of Hope is closed we want our family – patients – to continue to be able to access the great services and care they are accustom too, so we are offering appointments via telehealth.

“Keeping everyone safe is our first priority, but addressing the critical needs of our patients is also top of mind,” says Tracy Williams, OD, FAAO, Executive Director of Spectrios. “During this time we knew our patients were suffering, and wanted to find a way to continue to offer them the hope and support they would receive during an in-person appointment.

For our low-vision patients, our doctors are providing visual acuity charts to each patient scheduled for a telehealth appointment. Each appointment addresses the head, heart and eyes. “We are able to provide a high level of service just like at the ‘Deicke House of Hope,” says Rachel Lee, OD, FAAO. “We are really working hard to ensure all our patients needs are met during this pandemic.”

Spectrios Institute’s services go beyond vision services - occupational therapy is also necessary and provides training to adjust to vision loss to sustain independence in daily activities like cooking, cleaning, dressing and work. “We are taking inventories of daily activities and setting goals just like we did in person,” says Katrina Stratton, Occupation Therapist. “It has been a great experience for our patients to be able to create strategies to deal with the isolation and social distancing that are now part of our new normal.”

“The response from patients has been extremely positive and appreciative," says Dr. Williams. “So many patients comment that other than being in-person, it is just like a normal appointment. Some have requested that we continue the telehealth services after we are able to see patients in the ‘House of Hope.’ It is a great way for us to reach patients that have difficulty driving or are unable to make it to the clinic.” As soon as Spectrios Institute is able, they will re-open their doors to in person patients, but we plan to continue to telehealth services.

The telehealth program at Spectrios Institute is also garnering national attention and is working with low vision providers nationwide to share the groundbreaking program.

The Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, is a unique, non-profit, organization providing a comprehensive visual rehabilitation program that includes low vision evaluation, counseling, and instruction of daily living skills and technology use. Spectrios Institute is the model for low vision rehabilitation in the country.