Ocutech glasses
The MDNZ Save Sight Helpline rang hot in August after an article on TV3’s Seven Sharp featured Ocutech glasses that can aid vision. The news item showed a young mum whose life was changed after receiving Ocutech glasses. Wearing the glasses, she regained her central vision and could now see her young family playing in the garden, as she had never seen before.
Everyone wanted these, immediately!
MDNZ spoke with Peter Neuhauser of Bell Neuhauser Matthews Optometrists in Hamilton, who featured in the news item on Seven Sharp. Peter was forthcoming with the facts and at the top of that list was that these are not for everyone.
Peter advised MDNZ that Ocutech Bioptic visual aids are a very good optic system, but not everyone can be helped. He understands that people may be keen to try anything that might improve their vision but there is no miracle here. He felt it was important to caution people against getting their hopes too high.
He suggested this aid works better on younger eyes such as patients with Stargardt’s disease and are less likely to work for anyone with advanced age-related macular degeneration.
These glasses are expensive, costing around $4,500, so a full assessment is vital to ascertain an individual’s suitability before making the commitment.
Funding for individuals who meet the criteria is available through www.enable.co.nz. The main aim of this funding is to get people with low vision into employment and to enable those already working to continue working if they encounter vision loss.
