How to Watch TV with Low Vision: Practical Tips and Technology That Actually Works
There’s something special about settling into your favorite chair to watch a good show. Maybe it’s the evening news to stay connected with the world.
When you’re dealing with vision loss, knowing where to turn for help can feel overwhelming. You need medical care, but you also need practical support to maintain your independence. You might benefit from technology, but you don’t know what’s available. You could use some emotional support, but you’re not sure where to find others who understand what you’re going through.
This guide brings together the low vision resources available throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with vision impairment for years, you’ll find information about services that can help.
Low vision services fall into several categories, and understanding them helps you find what you need.
Ophthalmologists and optometrists who specialize in low vision provide clinical evaluations and medical guidance. They assess your remaining vision, monitor your condition, and may prescribe optical devices.
Low vision rehabilitation teaches you practical skills for daily life. Occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and low vision therapists help you learn adaptive techniques, use assistive devices, and develop strategies for independence.
From simple magnifiers to advanced electronic glasses like Vision Buddy, technology can dramatically improve your daily functioning. Assistive technology specialists help you evaluate options, choose appropriate devices, and learn to use them effectively.
Vision loss affects you emotionally as well as practically. Support groups, counseling, and community organizations provide connection with others and help with the psychological adjustment to changing vision.
Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services offers comprehensive support at no cost to eligible residents. Services include vocational rehabilitation for employment, independent living training, and assistive technology evaluation. Contact them through your local CareerLink office or the state website.
Western Pennsylvania has excellent resources for people with low vision.
Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh provides rehabilitation training, support groups, and community programs. They’ve been helping Pittsburgh-area residents for over a century.
UPMC’s Vision Rehabilitation Center offers clinical low vision evaluations along with occupational therapy focused on maintaining independence.
The Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind provides support services, social programs, and advocacy for people with vision impairment.
Eastern Pennsylvania residents have access to Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which offers a wide range of programs from employment services to senior programs.
Veterans in the Philadelphia area can access specialized services through the VA Medical Center’s blind rehabilitation program.
The Keystone Blind Association serves multiple counties in Central PA with employment services, technology training, and community integration programs.
Penn State Health in Hershey offers low vision clinical services for residents of the Harrisburg area and surrounding communities.
Ohio’s Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired provides vocational rehabilitation, independent living services, and assistive technology support throughout the Buckeye State. Services are available to eligible residents regardless of age.
Northeast Ohio offers extensive low vision support.
The Cleveland Sight Center is one of the oldest and most comprehensive vision rehabilitation organizations in the country. They provide rehabilitation services, technology training, youth programs, and community support.
The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute offers medical low vision services as part of one of the nation’s top-ranked ophthalmology programs.
Veterans in the Cleveland area can access the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center’s specialized blind rehabilitation services.
Central Ohio resources include low vision services through Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and community programs through Prevent Blindness Ohio.
Southwest Ohio residents can access the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which provides rehabilitation, employment services, and community programs.
The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services provides vocational and independent living services for visually impaired residents throughout the Mountain State.
Residents of the Northern Panhandle, including Wheeling and Weirton, often benefit from their proximity to Pittsburgh and can access services in both West Virginia and neighboring Pennsylvania.
The WVU Eye Institute in Morgantown provides clinical low vision evaluation and rehabilitation services for residents of north-central West Virginia.
Charleston and southern West Virginia residents can access services through state programs and regional healthcare providers.
Allstar Visionary Solutions provides Vision Buddy electronic glasses and personalized low vision support throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
What makes us different from online retailers is our local, personal service. We don’t just ship you a device and hope you figure it out. Our specialists meet with you, demonstrate the technology, help you find the right solution, and provide ongoing support.
We serve patients throughout Western and Central Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Johnstown, Indiana, Butler, Washington, Uniontown, Erie, Altoona, State College, and surrounding communities. Westmoreland, Allegheny, Washington, Fayette, Butler, Indiana, Cambria, Somerset, and Erie counties are all within our coverage area.
Our Ohio coverage includes Cleveland, Youngstown, Akron, Canton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Steubenville, and communities throughout the state. We regularly work with patients in Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery, and surrounding counties.
We proudly serve Wheeling, Weirton, Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg, Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and communities across West Virginia.
Our Vision Buddy product line includes options for different needs and preferences.
Coverage for Vision Buddy varies by insurance plan. Some vision insurance policies, Medicare Advantage plans, and VA benefits may provide partial coverage. Our specialists help you understand your options and navigate insurance requirements.
We also work with patients on payment arrangements when needed. We believe financial barriers shouldn’t prevent people from accessing technology that could change their lives.
If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a simple path forward.
Start with a clinical low vision evaluation from an eye doctor who specializes in low vision. They’ll assess your current vision and recommend appropriate next steps.
Contact your state rehabilitation services to learn about programs you may qualify for. These services are often free.
Explore assistive technology through trial programs. Vision Buddy’s 14-day home trial lets you experience the technology with your own daily activities before committing.
Connect with others through support groups. Talking with people who understand what you’re going through makes a real difference.
Contact Allstar Visionary Solutions to schedule a consultation and learn about our 14-day home trial program.
Phone: (724) 327-3553
Address: 2030 Ader Road, Penn Township, PA 15644
Email: support@allstartherapies.com
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