Low Vision is a condition, whether caused by eye disease, genetics, trauma, or other events, where fully corrected vision with conventional glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery, remains insufficient to do what you want to do.
Some consider low vision to be less than 20/40 vision. Others consider it to be less than 20/70 vision. However, The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) believes that the inability to see well enough to do those tasks you want to continue doing, even with your best glasses (contacts or refractive surgery) is sufficient reason to seek the help of a low vision optometrist.
In a case of Low Vision, the patient is typically unable to perform basic everyday tasks. This includes:
- Difficulty with getting around independently
- Driving
- Using the computer
- Watching television
- Recognizing Faces
- Reading
- Writing
- etc.
The burden of such a sudden loss of independence means that Low Vision not only robs the patient of functional capability, it also leaves the patient mentally and emotionally devastated.
While commonly associated with seniors over the age of 60, Low Vision also affects children and adults of all ages. Age-Related Macular Degeneration is the most common cause for Low Vision in the US, however patients from all over Ohio and the surrounding states visit for Low Vision care for a wide variety of conditions and diseases.
During your low vision eye exam, Dr. Mark Rinkov will determine your level of vision, see if new regular glasses will be an improvement, discuss your wish list and help decide the best solution to help you regain as much day to day functioning as possible.
You will discuss with Dr. Mark Rinkov what your specific vision goals are, such as reading, writing, recognizing faces, watching TV, or driving. We will determine what areas of your vision are lacking, whether central or peripheral. We will then recommend the various low vision aids or devices that will help you do what you want to do. The low vision exam takes about an hour. Dr. Richard Shuldiner, the founder of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists explains further:
Our patients are often moved to tears when they can get back to doing the things they love. We have shared some of our patient's experiences in order to show the dramatic life-changing nature of low vision care.
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A Low Vision Eye Exam should be conducted as soon as you have received a diagnosis of an eye disease or condition that could lead to Low Vision. A Low Vision optometrist stays up to date on the latest research in slowing down the progression of vision loss, so it is essential to book a Low Vision exam right away. Most of our patients visit us after years of struggling with severe vision loss. If you or a loved one have a visual impairment, call our Low Vision doctor for a free phone consultation to understand how you may be helped. If you are in doubt our Worthington and the surrounding states low vision optometrist can help, we encourage you to call and Dr. Mark Rinkov will be happy to discuss your concerns on the phone.
A low vision optometrist fits custom vision aids and devices, which allow the Low Vision patient to maximize the use of their remaining vision in the most effective way possible. This allows someone suffering from Low Vision to regain their ability to perform everyday tasks, as well as their independence and human dignity.
For example, A 65-year-old patient with Macular Degeneration wanted to be able to go shopping and visit people without feeling like a burden on others. Our Low Vision optometrist, Dr. Mark Rinkov, custom designed bioptic telescope glasses that enabled the patient to drive, read, and go shopping once again, without needing the help of others.

A Low Vision aid is any tool or device that can help a person with vision loss perform the tasks that they most want to be able to perform. The treatment for Low Vision has changed drastically with new technologies which have revolutionized Low Vision and resulted in far more effective tools to regain vision function.
There have been major improvements in the optical design and construction of Low Vision telescopes, microscope glasses, filters, and prisms. Furthermore, a range of digital devices have been developed which can significantly boost the ability of a Low Vision sufferer to function. These include IRISVISION, ORCAM, ESIGHT and CCTV stands, as well as portable digital magnifiers. Give us a call to learn more about the different low vision aids, devices, magnifiers, and glasses.
Because of the large range of options, it is crucial to speak with a Low Vision optometrist who will help you navigate the options and find the option that will give you the best solution to your specific needs. Low Vision Doctors of Ohio is the preferred provider of Low Vision aids for patients from Worthington and Columbus.

A leading cause of visual loss in the US of people over 60, macular degeneration is a partial or complete loss of central vision while peripheral vision remains intact. The most sensitive part of the back of the eye, known as the macula, becomes damaged. Patients will tell us of difficulty seeing faces, focusing, and doing daily tasks such as driving, reading, or watching TV.
What Can We Do To Help?
Dr. Mark Rinkov has helped a lot of patients from all over Ohio and the surrounding states with macular degeneration regain their independence. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses, E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs in diabetics as a result of high blood sugar levels. This causes leakages of fluid or blood from the blood vessels in the retina. In addition, as the disease progresses, new blood vessels (neovascularization) develop that continue to damage the eye. The result is vision loss.
Dr. Mark Rinkov has helped a lot of patients from all over Ohio and the surrounding states with diabetic retinopathy regain their independence. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses, E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic eye condition in which the rod cells of the retina cease functioning. This degeneration will cause a loss of peripheral vision, night blindness, and can lead to total loss of vision.
How Can We Help And Provide Hope?
Dr. Mark Rinkov can help people from Ohio and the surrounding states with RP function better. Reverse telescope glasses may be able to increase visual field size to improve mobility. Magnification may be useful if central loss is an issue. We suggest you call and discuss your particular situation with the doctor.
Juvenile Macular Degeneration - Stargardt’s Disease/Best Disease/Juvenile Retinoschisis
Juvenile macular degeneration is an eye disease developed in youth or early adolescents where the macula is damaged in the retina. Those with this eye condition will have issues with central vision, focusing, blurry vision, and seeing in dim lighting.
How Can We Help?
Low vision glasses and devices have proven to be extremely helpful for those with Stargardt’s Disease. Dr. Mark Rinkov has helped many patients from Ohio and the surrounding states, who suffer from this eye disease to regain their independence and even drive again.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve due to a buildup of pressure in the eye. Known as the “sneak thief of vision,” this condition will cause a loss of the peripheral vision.
How Can We Help And Provide Hope?
Dr. Mark Rinkov has helped a lot of patients from all over Ohio and the surrounding states, with glaucoma regain their independence. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses s, E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back. Because glaucoma can cause different types of vision loss, it is best to discuss your particular situation with the doctor.
When the brain is damaged due to a stroke, brain injury, or tumor, vision is often affected. Stroke often causes Hemianopsia, which is decreased or total visual field loss in half of your field of vision.
How Can We Help?
We help stroke patients adjust to vision loss and to re-learn focus and balance. Dr. Mark Rinkov offers special prism glasses, developed by IALVS member Dr. Errol Rummel, to help patients from Ohio and the surrounding states, see with their remaining vision. These custom Side Vision Awareness Glasses (SVAG), have helped stroke patients from all over the world regain their independence. With the latest Low Vision aids and tech, we can help you regain your independence so you can identify people, read, watch, TV, and more.
Albinism causes the central part of the retina, called the macula, to develop improperly. The macula is responsible for clear, sharp vision. When one has albinism, the retina is pale and central vision is reduced. The iris, which absorbs light, is lacking pigment which causes disability glare. Patients with albinism usually have impaired vision, crossed eyes, lazy eyes, and a sensitivity to bright light.
How Can We Help?
Dr. Mark Rinkov has helped a number of patients from Ohio and the surrounding states, suffering from albinism to perform everyday tasks. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
This genetic eye condition leaves patients with the inability to see colors, leaving the world in a grayscale of black and white. Achromatopsia causes reduced visual acuity, complaints of glare, and nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
How Can We Help?
Dr. Mark Rinkov has helped a lot of patients from all over Ohio and the surrounding states, with Achromatopsia regain their independence. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses, E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
Over 24 million people in the US have this eye condition, where the naturally clear crystalline lens inside the eye becomes cloudy to the point where vision is impaired. Cataracts often cause glare, reduced acuity, change of color vision and reduced contrast.
How Can We Help?
Cataract removal and replacement with an artificial lens is the standard of care. However, not all cataract patients are surgical candidates. Dr. Mark Rinkov is well equipped to help cataract patients from Ohio and the surrounding states function better Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
This genetic eye condition leaves patients with the inability to see colors, leaving the world in a grayscale of black and white. Achromatopsia causes reduced visual acuity, complaints of glare, and nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
How Can We Help?
Dr. Mark Rinkov has helped a lot patients from all over Ohio and the surrounding states with Achromatopsia regain their independence. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses, E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
This is a condition where the optic nerve is damaged due to glaucoma, stroke, genetics, autoimmune conditions or any other forms of brain injury. Since this nerve carries impulses to the brain, when it is damaged, there can be central vision and/or peripheral vision loss.
Here Is How We Can Help
Dr. Mark Rinkov has various Low Vision aids that are equipped to help patients from Ohio suffering from any of these conditions. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
Nystagmus is an eye condition that causes involuntary eye movement or shaking of the eyes. Patients will have trouble focusing and issues maintaining balance.
What We Can Do To Help
We offer various low vision aids, such as prisms, that help patients keep their eyes focused and still, allowing them to see clearly again. Dr. Mark Rinkov has helped those from Ohio and the surrounding states suffering from this eye disease to do everyday task that proved too difficult before.
This is an eye condition where the patient has severe short-sightedness or myopia. The eyeball continues to become more and more elongated causing stretching of the retina. Often, the macula is damaged, causing central vision loss.
Here Is How We Can Help
Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back
Rod-Cone Dystrophy is an eye condition that causes the loss of the photoreceptors known as cones and eventually rods. Initially, central and color vision loss occurs followed by night blindness.
How We Can Help
Dr. Mark Rinkov can help patients from Ohio and the surrounding states with Rod-Cone Dystrophy. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back
This eye condition affects the innermost layer of the cornea, causing improper amounts of fluid to enter the cornea or front “window” of the eye. Patients will have eye pain, sensitivity to light, difficulty with night vision, and cloudy vision.
What Can We Do To Help?
We offer different solutions for those suffering from Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy. Dr. Mark Rinkov helps patients through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back
Histoplasmosis Retinopathy a disease caused by infected airborne spores. This is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 20-40. Straight lines will appear crooked and blind spots in the vision field will develop.
How We Can Help
When there is vision loss from this disease, we can work with patients to restore the vision with our Low Vision aids. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back

If your father, mother, spouse or child is visually impaired, it can cause intense tension and strain at home. Your loved one suffering from Low Vision will likely be stressed, angry, or depressed about his or her condition and loss of independence. It is important to keep in mind the incredible stress that vision loss causes. As family members, you should encourage your loved ones to explore the possibilities that low vision care opens up. Members of the IALVS use demonstrator low vision glasses and devices during the low vision evaluation to show the patient how they can keep performing the desired tasks. If the patient does not want to speak with Dr. Mark Rinkov, we encourage children or spouses to talk to Dr. Mark Rinkov to discuss how we can help.
If your father, mother, spouse or child is visually impaired, it can cause intense tension and strain at home. Your loved one suffering from Low Vision will likely be stressed, angry, or depressed about his or her condition and loss of independence. It is important to keep in mind the incredible stress that vision loss causes. As family members, you should encourage your loved ones to explore the possibilities that low vision care opens up. Members of the IALVS use demonstrator low vision glasses and devices during the low vision evaluation to show the patient how they can keep performing the desired tasks. If the patient does not want to speak with Dr. Mark Rinkov, we encourage children or spouses to talk to Dr. Mark Rinkov to discuss how we can help.
CLEAR IMAGE PRISMATIC READER
E-SCOOP MEN'S FRAME, ORANGE LENS
FULL DIAMETER TELESCOPE GLASSES
E-SCOOP WOMEN'S FRAME, YELLOW LENS
ONE PIECE PRISMATIC MICROSCOPE
LOWER POWER TELESCOPE GLASSES
SIDE VISION AWARENESS GLASSES
BIOPTIC LENSES