A Rehabilitative Process
A Low Vision exam differs from a primary doctor’s eye care exam in that the focus is on enhancing the individual’s remaining functional vision needed to perform daily living activities.
Drews Low Vision Clinic
The Low Vision Clinic provides functional vision assessments using a rehabilitation model. It is staffed by a doctor of optometry, one part-time volunteer doctor of optometry, and low vision therapists. The process begins with a low vision exam to determines if there are prescriptive optical aids or non prescriptive vision aids that will help the patient best utilize their remaining sight. This exam compliments a primary eye doctor’s medical exam by looking at how visual functioning may be enhanced. The next visits with the low vision therapists train the tools recommended by the doctors.
LOW VISION STAFF:
- Dr. Kate Boland
- Dr. Jessica Broodryk
- Jennifer Lauer, OTD, Director of Adult Services
- Mariko Lighthart, Low Vision Occupational Therapist
- Gina Cusac, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Michelle Harrell, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Ali Lambert, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Low Vision Therapy Services
Most exams by the Society’s doctor will result in a referral for low vision therapy training which will assist in the identification and proper use of non-prescriptive aids such as magnifiers, lighting and task lamps, computers and electronic zoom magnification. For optimal benefit, multiple scheduled appointments are recommended.
Low Vision Aids
During the schedule appointments in the low vision rehabilitation process, patients will learn about different low vision and adaptive living aids that will assist them in using their remaining vision such as:
- Different strengths of magnifiers, both head borne and handsfree, are available with or without internal lighting
- Monocular and telescopic aids assist with near and distance viewing. Special sunglasses that best suit specific eye conditions can assist with glare.
- CCTV electronic screen magnification reading devices sale or rental
- Lighting to optimize you reading
LV Medical Exam and Therapy
Most exams with the Low Vision Optometrists are approximately 90 minutes in length. Follow-up therapy are 60-90 minutes.
If you use any eyeglasses or magnifiers please bring them with you. Other items that may be used to assist in your evaluation during your appointment include medication labels, utility bills, bank statements, menus or any other special items used on a regular basis.
Fees & Insurance Coverage
The Society’s clinic and physician and low vision therapy services are covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Patients are responsible for any copay amount and a refraction charge ($45) if a new eyeglass prescription is required/desired. Copays apply to both the exam and occupational therapy.
Hardship Application
See your social worker prior to the low vision exam or therapy to fill out a financial assistance application if you may need help covering the physician and therapy visit fees or aids and device purchases.
Location of Clinic
The Drews Low Vision Clinic exams and therapy are provided at the Society’s main office, 8770 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO (southeast corner of Brentwood Blvd. and Manchester Road). Some LV therapy may be provided in the individual’s home.
To Make an Appointment
Appointments: Tuesday – Thursday, 8:45 – 4:00 PM
Transportation Assistance
We recommend patients use family or public transportation to the clinic, but if that is not possible, the Society has limited, “first come, first serve”, shared ride transportation service. There is a $10 optional round-trip fee for those living within 20 miles of the agency. Ask about a premium fee for those outside that area. There is no additional fee for a human guide to accompany the patient, but you should inform the driver when making the appointment.
Drews Low Vision Clinic History
Under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Robert Drews and recognizing the growing needs of older adults experiencing age-related vision loss, the Society established a low vision clinic doctor in 1989. Services began with a half day per week optometrist ½ day per week and one assistant. As the referrals and need for additional services grew, the Society expanded services in 2009 to a full-time clinic with one Low Vision Optometrist and four Certified Low Vision Therapists.
In 2010 the Society formally named the clinic The Leslie and Robert Drews Low Vision Clinic in recognition of over 60 years of service to those who are blind or visually impaired.
Dr. Leslie C. Drews (1905 – 1961)
Dr. Leslie Drews was a prominent ophthalmologist who joined the Society for the Blind’s Board of Directors in 1953 and served until he passed away in 1961 at the height of his career. During his time as a member of the Society’s Board Directors, he provided crucial leadership and gave counsel related to blindness and vision loss.
Dr. Leslie Drews did his undergraduate and medical school training at Washington University. He became a member of the St. Louis University Department of Ophthalmology in 1929 and co-chaired it from 1953 – 1956. Dr. Leslie Drews was appointed to the staff of Washington University from 1956 – 1961 as Associate Professor. He served on the staffs of 11 area hospitals. Dr. Leslie Drews was elected to the American Ophthalmological Society in 1942 at the remarkably young age of 37, and published a number of papers during his illustrious and meaningful career.
Robert C. Drews, MD, FACS, FRCOphth (1930 – 2017)
Dr. Robert C. Drews is the son of renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Leslie Drews and was a member of the Society’s Board of Directors.