Low Vision Clinic

The mission of the UCSF Low Vision Clinic is to help people with reduced sight maximize their vision. Our optometrists prescribe glasses and low vision aids, including tints, telescopes and magnifiers. We assist our patients with achieving their vision goals, such as reading books or watching television. We also connect them to resources for people with low vision, facilitating access to such items as disabled parking placards and free audio books.

You may qualify for low vision care if you have eyesight impairment that can't be corrected by standard glasses, contact lenses or surgery. Conditions that may lead to low vision include macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. A visit to our clinic requires a referral, so ask your primary eye care provider whether you might benefit from low vision services.

We may refer patients with significant vision loss for intensive training at a vision rehabilitation center. These specialty clinics teach patients adaptive skills for daily living, how to safely navigate their environment and how to maximize assistive technology.