Low Vision Rehabilitation Services
Brooks Rehabilitation provides one of the region’s most comprehensive programs for individuals experiencing vision changes related to neurological conditions, medical illness or eye disease. Care is provided by highly trained experts at the The Dr. W.J. Knauer Jr. Center for Low Vision at Brooks Rehabilitation.
When low vision occurs, it can’t be corrected by common interventions. Rehabilitation can help individuals maximize their remaining vision and maintain independence. Our integrated approach combines optometry, rehabilitation therapy and advanced technologies to help patients maximize functional vision and maintain independence.
How low vision rehabilitation helps
Low vision changes may affect a person’s ability to read, move safely, manage daily tasks, participate in meaningful activities or maintain independence. At Brooks, our expert optometrists provide evaluations and rehabilitation for individuals whose visual changes—regardless of diagnosis—are impacting participation in daily life.
Who needs low vision therapy?
Low vision can affect people who have experienced a condition or illness such as a stroke or macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma or diabetes.
Low vision services across multiple care settings
Brooks’ provides low vision rehabilitation to patients in our outpatient therapy, inpatient rehabilitation or home‑ and community‑based programs. Our teams work together to improve use of functional vision and reduce safety risks to help improve participation in work, school, home and community life.
What to expect from an low vision evaluation
A low vision exam is different from a standard eye exam. Patients can expect the following care when participating in rehabilitation for low vision:
Exams focused on maximizing your current functional vision.
Goal setting through defining specific needs and test solutions to support your personal goals.
Creation of a personalized plan to help you use your remaining vision effectively.
Referrals to occupational therapists with advanced training in vision rehabilitation to assess daily activities, technology use and device integration.
Referrals to physical therapists who provide balance training, fall prevention and protective strategies to enhance safety and independence.
Advanced low vision services at Brooks
Brooks offers advanced services typically unavailable in traditional eye care settings. This includes special needs eye exams and eye examinations designed for patients who have difficulty communicating or participating in a standard eye exam.
Special needs eye exams
These exams are for patients with difficulty communicating or participating in a regular eye exam.
Neuro‑visual evaluations
Eye exams to evaluate visual or ocular changes after neurological injuries (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury)
Technology and optical aids
Once an individual becomes a patient of our low vision program, they have access to the center’s lending library to rent prescribed optical devices and technology—such as magnifiers, telescopes and electronic CCTVs—on a monthly basis, with training provided by our therapists.
Optical aids include:
- Magnifiers
- Microscopic glasses
- Telescopic glasses
Assistive tech includes:
- Talking devices
- Electronic magnifiers
- Lighting solutions
From patient to employee: discover Paige’s low vision rehabilitation journey
Paige discussions how her low vision experience helps support individuals who are interested in low vision therapy at Brooks and how work accommodations helps her support patients participating in the rehabilitation program.
Our low vision rehabilitation program leaders
How to request care
The Center for Low Vision accepts referrals from physicians, therapists and other eye doctors, as well as internal referrals from Brooks’ system of care. Referrals are accepted by fax or email. Patients with referrals in hand can also request care by clicking the button below to fill out our form. Please contact our office with any questions.
P:(904) 345-7373
F: (904) 389-1060
E: [email protected]
To review the insurance providers Brooks contracts with, visit our insurance page. Our center also provides programs and grants for those who qualify. Contact us directly to learn more.
Our location
The Dr. W.J. Knauer Jr. Center for Low Vision at Brooks Rehabilitation
3901 University Blvd S.
Suite #103
Jacksonville, FL 32216