When your world starts to blur—faces, books, or street signs slipping just out of reach—it’s easy to feel like your options are fading. But here’s the thing: just because standard glasses and contact lenses no longer help doesn’t mean there’s nothing that can.
At Low Vision of New York, we offer something different—a chance to take back control with a low vision exam. Dr. Steven Schoenbart is known for his thoughtful care and creative approach. Instead of just checking your vision, he focuses on helping you make the most of what you can still see.
What Is a Low Vision Exam?
A low vision exam is a detailed evaluation designed specifically for people who have permanent vision loss that can’t be corrected with traditional treatments. Eye conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa can cause these visual impairments.
Unlike a standard eye exam focusing on diagnosing diseases or updating your glasses prescription, a low vision exam focuses on function. It's about understanding what you can see. It also looks at how vision loss affects your daily life. Finally, it helps you find ways to face those challenges with confidence.
What to Expect from a Low Vision Exam in Westbury
A low vision exam is a conversation, not just a check-up. Dr. Schoenbart takes the time to get to know you—your lifestyle, visual goals, and obstacles. Here’s what typically happens:
In-Depth Medical and Vision History
We’ll review your eye conditions, past treatments, and any medications you're taking. It’s about building the full picture so we can support your vision the right way.
Visual Function Testing
We’ll assess how much usable vision you have—not just clarity but contrast sensitivity, peripheral vision, and how well you see in different lighting.
Daily Impact Discussion
This is where we talk about how your vision loss affects real life—reading, watching TV, using the computer, or recognizing loved ones.
Goal Setting
Whether your goal is to read a book, get back to work, or see your grandchild’s smile, we use these personal goals to shape your eye care plan.
Trying Out Tools
From high-powered reading glasses to hands-free telescopic lenses, we’ll demonstrate the kinds of visual aids that may work for you—and let you try them on the spot.
Next Steps and Treatments for Low Vision from Steven Schoenbart, OD Low Vision
Once we understand your visual challenges, Dr. Schoenbart creates a custom vision rehabilitation plan to help you live more independently. That includes practical tools, real-world strategies, and practical low vision aids.
Here are some of the low vision aids we offer:
- Telescopic glasses for watching TV or recognizing faces from a distance
- Microscopic or high-powered reading glasses to help with fine print
- Electronic magnifiers and readers are optical devices that make reading easier at home or work
- Hand-held magnifiers for reading menus, labels, or anything on the go
- Tinted lenses to reduce glare or increase contrast, especially helpful outdoors
- Peripheral vision training for those with tunnel vision or central vision loss
- E-Scoop glasses for early-stage vision loss and driving needs
- OrCam and IrisVision, AI-based devices that turn spoken text into speech or create virtual magnification environments
And it's not just about giving you the device. You’ll also receive support from our eye doctors on correctly using it in your everyday routine.
See More, Do More: Regain Confidence with Low Vision Care at Low Vision of New York
Low vision doesn’t mean you have to give up the life you love. At Low Vision of New York, we help you keep doing what matters. This includes reading the newspaper, enjoying hobbies, or getting around your neighborhood.
If you’re living with vision loss and feel like your options are running out, let’s talk. Schedule your personalized low vision exam with Steven Schoenbart, OD Low Vision and find out how much more you can see and do.