Using vision in the real

world

Mary Bairstow VISION 2020 (UK) Ltd

1

“Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

Lets try three•Understanding how to maximise vision•Getting the best out of optical devices•Techniques that can help

“That's the reason they're called lessons, because they lessen from day to day”

Nystagmus – null points and variability

Contrast – optimising use of light

Focus – which spectacles and when

Alice

• Age 7• Cerebral palsy and nystagmus

• The lesson – Null point , reduced accommodation, possible field defect

• How Alice learns to lessen……….

I wish I could shut up like a telescope! I think I could, if I only knew how to begin

• Access to the right equipment • Basic concepts – focus and magnification• Use and flexibility

• Examples• Pocket lupe – labels and shops• Hyperocular (high powered lenses with short focus) – reading• Telescope – science – observation at arms length

Images from Eschenbach and Visionenhancers

Lewis

• Age 14• Congenital Cataracts • Using stand device, small pocket lupe

and binoculars• The lesson –No accommodation,

function v form • How Lewis learns to lessen………

Images from Associated Optical and Visionenhancers

‘‘You may look in front of you, and on both sides, if you like,' said the Sheep’’• Basic use and repetitive skills • Eccentric viewing• Haemianopia training• Use of minification in localisation• Use of ‘ghost images 'with prisms• Telescope training – scanning / searching

Carol

• Age 15

• Stargardt’s maculopathy

• Using I pad and mobile phone (oops) + specs, pocket lupe and telescope

• The lesson – eccentric viewing, telescope training

• How Carol learns to lessen …….

Images from Eschenbach

“Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop”

Help a young person use their vision in the real world by lessening the lesson

•Understanding of how their vision works•Appreciating use of optical devices•Being adept in their use