Low Vision Information
Causes of Permanent Central Vision Loss
The common causes of permanent central vision loss are age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. We perform therapies aimed at preserving and sometimes restoring vision. In many cases, we cannot stop what nature started, and patients are left with limited vision. This can change a person’s life negatively and is terribly frustrating. The goal of this handout is to give you information regarding options and resources that will help you make the most of the vision you have. These are general suggestions and may not apply to your specific case. Also, in some diseases, a person’s vision may be changing and what is helpful now may need to be modified in the future. Low vision stores have useful tools to help with any level of vision loss.
Visual Acuity
20/40 to 20/60
- Lighting – good, strong lamp from behind.
- Glasses – strongest reading aid (from your eye doctor).
- Magnifiers – hand held or chest-supported.
- Driving restricted but not prohibited.
20/70 to 20/150
- Lighting, glasses, magnifiers as above.
- Contact Vision Loss Resources and State Services for the Blind. Low vision training is valuable.
- Large print books. See resource list.
- Closed-circuit TV (“reading machine”) may be helpful.
- Driving restricted and limited to 20/80 or better in Minnesota.
20/200 to Worse
- Lighting, glasses, magnifiers as above.
- Contact Vision Loss Resources and State Services for the Blind. Low vision training is valuable.
- Large print books. See resource list.
- Closed-circuit TV (“reading machine”) may be helpful.
- Driving restricted and limited to 20/80 or better in Minnesota.
Low Vision Resources
Click on a resource below for more information:
Minnesota State Services for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
2200 University Ave. W., #240
St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-642-0500Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss
4505 W. Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-624-4828State Services for the Blind for Northern Minnesota
320 W. 2nd Street, Suite 205
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-723-4600 or 1-800-657-3752Vision Loss Resources
1936 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612-871-2222Vision Loss Resources
216 Wabasha St. S.
St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone: 651-224-7662Phillips Eye Institute Vision Rehabilitation Center
2215 Park Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 612-775-8866State Services for the Blind for Northern Minnesota
320 W. 2nd Street, Suite 205
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-723-4600 or 1-800-657-3752University of Minnesota Vision Rehabilitation Phillips
Wangensteen Building
516 Delaware St. SE 9th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-625-4400 or 1-800-937-4393Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss
4505 W. Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-624-4828St. Luke’s Hospital Vision Rehabilitation Program
915 East First Street
Duluth, MN 55805
Phone: 218-726-5519 or 1-800-321-3790Minnesota Low Vision Store – Phillips Eye Institute
710 E 24th St
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 1-612-775-8967 or 1-651-489-4194
Fax Number: 1-612-775-8876
Website: www.mnlowvision.comLighthouse Low Vision Store
4505 W Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55807Minnesota Low Vision Store
821 3rd Avenue SE
Rochester, MN 55904Lighthouse Low Vision Products
938 Andresen Drive
Escondido, CA 92029
Phone: 1-800-453-4923
Fax Number: 1-800-368-4111Independent Living Aids
137 Rano St
Buffalo, NY 14207
Phone: 1-800-537-2118The Low Vision Store
2200 West University Ave., #200
St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-203-2200 or 1-800-871-8780
Website: www.lvsmn.comAllied Technologies Inc.
11440 Lakeland Drive, #101
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Phone: 1-800-267-5350 or 763-425-8660IRS (Tax exemptions for the visually impaired)
Phone: 1-800-829-1040Division of Motor Vehicles (Drivers License Testing)
Phone: 651-297-3298Courage Center Driving Assessment Program
Phone: 763-520-0637Free Directory Assistance
1-800-500-3453 – for McLeod Customers
1-800-244-1111 – for Qwest CustomersU of M Resource Directory for the Visually Impaired
Website: legge.psych.umn.eduVision Loss Resources
Phone: 612-871-2222
Website: www.visionlossresources.orgAmerican Foundation for the Blind
Phone: 1-800-232-5463
Website: www.AFB.orgLighthouse International
Phone: 1-800-829-0500
Website: www.lighthouse.orgBooks on Tape, Inc.
Customer Service: 1-800-733-3000
Website: www.booksontape.comNational Federation of the Blind
Phone: 410-659-9314
Website: www.nfb.org