Low Vision Clinic FAQ

How is the New England Eye Low Vision Clinic at Perkins different than other clinics or doctors?

Often it is difficult for people with multiple impairments or communication/behavioral difficulties to get comprehensive eye examinations. Here in our clinic, our doctors use special charts and testing methods to provide a comfortable, understanding environment for people with special needs.

We believe that visual ability is more than just having a good pair of eyeglasses. We have vision educators on staff working together with the doctors to try to determine ways to increase visual functioning at home, school, and work. For those who benefit from optical or electronic devices, we can loan devices to families or teachers to provide additional instruction or to try them out before purchasing.

What information should I bring to the appointment?

If this is your first time to our clinic we will need to have copies of all previous eye exams, any other educational/medical evaluations that have been conducted such as:

• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Orientation and mobility
• Learning Media Assessment
• Community-based Functional Vision Assessment
• Neuropsych exam

How much does it cost?

The cost for an examination is $185.00 for the first visit, and then $85.00 for each follow-up within the year. However, the fee is usually covered by most medical insurance, but you will most likely need a referral from your child's or your own primary care physician. Check with your insurance company.

Our office can provide you with a list of insurance plans accepted by our doctors and will also send you all the necessary forms to complete prior to the appointment. Sometimes school systems will pay for the exam. If this is the case, we must have a letter from the school with the payment amount and billing information.

Do you only see children?

Our speciality is working with individuals of all ages with vision loss and multiple impairments, however we can provide exams for people of all ages with or without a visual impairment.

Can I buy magnifiers at your clinic?

Yes, as long as you have a doctor's recommendation or prescription. We don't have a store, but we can help you order a specific device and then have it sent directly to your home.

How long does an appointment last?

Usually we like to allow 1 ½ hours for a full examination, but it doesn't always take this long. Having plenty of time for people to become comfortable in a new place, or for families and teachers to ask plenty of questions is important to us.

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