A low vision assessment (LVA) looks at how reduced vision affects a person’s daily activities, such as reading, watching television, and taking part in hobbies. The assessment offers tailored recommendations to help maximise remaining vision and manage any difficulties experienced.
Having a Low Vision Assessment (LVA) is an essential part of managing any eye condition that leads to vision loss. Anyone experiencing reduced vision due to an eye condition should consider attending an LVA appointment. You do not need to be registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired – it is available to anyone.
Paediatric low vision assessments are held in our Richard Desmond Children’s Eye Centre (RDCEC) and are available for children over the age of 4.
You will be seen by one of our specialist optometrists. They will begin by asking questions to understand the specific difficulties you experience because of your vision. This helps them tailor the low vision assessment to your needs.
They may ask about your vision and, depending on your situation, about areas of daily life that can be affected by reduced vision. This could include education, work, accessing information or technology, hobbies, mobility and independence, self‑care or caring for others, social activities, and emotional wellbeing.
Next, the optometrist will examine your vision using a variety of tests. These usually include measuring your distance and near (reading) vision, and may also assess contrast sensitivity, peripheral (side) vision, and colour vision.
A refraction (glasses check) will also be carried out to determine whether spectacles could improve your vision. If glasses are likely to help, you will be given a prescription that you can take either to Moorfields Opticians or to your local optician.
The optometrist will also provide guidance on how to make the best use of your remaining vision to help with activities you find difficult.
You are welcome to bring someone with you. The optometrist will let you know if further appointments are recommended and when they should be booked.
Please bring any spectacles or magnifiers you currently use, as well as any other devices you have been prescribed in the past.
It can also be helpful to bring examples of items in your everyday life you find difficult to see, such as a book or sheet music.
Magnification
Magnification helps some people see more. The optometrist will carefully check whether it helps you and if so, how much. If magnification is helpful, the optometrist will demonstrate suitable optical low vision aids (magnifiers) to find the best one for you. Optical low vision aids can include high powered magnifying spectacles, handheld or spectacle mounted magnifiers, and telescopes and binoculars.
Your own devices
Often smartphones, tablets or other devices have inbuilt accessibility features such as increasing font sizes, zoom functions, increased contrast modes or text to speech function. These can help you to use them more effectively. The optometrist can discuss these with you and guide you to charities or other organisations who may be able to assist you further.
Electronic low vision aids
The optometrist can demonstrate a selection of devices during your appointment if needed. They can also give you information about companies that offer home trials of electronic devices.
Electronic low‑vision devices can be costly, so it is always advisable to trial them at home before purchasing to ensure they meet your needs.
There are also different ways to access electronic low‑vision equipment and accessibility software through education or employment. The optometrist will discuss these options with you if they are relevant.
Other advice and guidance
Depending on your individual needs and circumstances, the optometrist may suggest additional sources of support and advice. These may include services within Moorfields, such as the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) team, our Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs), the counselling service, or the family support team for children.
They may also recommend external support options, such as sight‑loss charities, employment‑related advice services, or assistance available through social services.
This includes the full eye test with the optometrist.
If you need an further diagnostic tests, these would be charged at an additional rate. The most commonly requested is an OCT scan: this is charged at £273.
Any onward referral or treatment would incur an additional cost.
if applicable, this will be provided after the eye test, based on your personalised treatment plan.
Please contact one of our optometrists directly to book an appointment. Their contact details can be found in our consultant directory.