What Is Low Vision?

Low vision refers to vision loss that can’t be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It doesn’t mean you’re blind, but it does mean your vision makes day-to-day life more challenging even with the best possible correction.

Low vision can result from several eye conditions, including:

    • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
    • Cataracts
    • Glaucoma
    • Diabetic eye disease
    • Eye injuries or eye cancers

Diagnosing Low Vision

Low vision is typically identified during a comprehensive eye exam. If you live with diabetes or another health condition that impacts your vision, regular monitoring is essential. Low vision can affect anyone. That’s why routine eye exams matter, especially if you’re noticing changes in your sight.

At Simcoe Optometric Clinic, we offer diabetic eye exams and full ocular health assessments to catch issues early and help preserve your sight.

Understanding Visual Acuity & Low Vision Levels

You’ve likely heard of 20/20 vision, but what do all the numbers mean? Here’s a quick breakdown of how low vision is measured:

Mild Low Vision (20/30 to 20/60)

Also called near-normal vision, this entails the range from 20/30 to 20/60 visual acuity score. For instance, somebody with 20/30 visual acuity needs to stand at 20 feet to clearly see something that they should see at 30 feet.

Moderate Low Vision (20/70 to 20/160)

Moderate low vision starts at 20/70 and goes up to 20/160. A person with 20/70 visual impairment has to stand at 20 feet to see an object they should be able to see with clarity at 70 feet.

Severe Low Vision (20/200 to 20/400)

Severe low vision includes acuity scores between 20/200 and 20/400. This score expresses that if you have 20/200 vision, you need to stand at 20 feet to see something that should be visible at 200 feet. The same logic applies to 20/400. 

Profound Low Vision (20/500 to 20/1000)

Profound low vision, or profound visual impairment, ranges from 20/500 to 20/1000. You need to be 20 feet close to see something you should be able to see at 500 feet. At this degree of impairment, routine visual tasks become almost impossible to do without assistance. Anything after 20/1000 is considered near-total blindness.

Living with Low Vision

There’s no cure for low vision, but there are ways to adapt, stay independent, and continue enjoying the things that matter most.

At Simcoe Optometric Clinic, we offer:

  • Tailored solutions and visual aids
  • Ongoing support and education
  • A compassionate care experience focused on what works best for your lifestyle

We believe that great care means more than just treatment—it means making sure you feel informed, comfortable, and confident at every step.

Taking the Next Step in Low Vision Management

Low vision doesn’t have to limit your life. Whether you’re looking for answers, support, or solutions, our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way. Let’s work together to protect and make the most of your vision.

Contact us to schedule your low vision consultation today.

Come Visit Us in Simcoe!

You can find our optometry practice in the Malo Professional Building on Colborne Street North. We offer plentiful parking behind our building with accessibility-friendly options available.

Our Address

100 Colborne Street North
Simcoe, ON N3Y 3V1

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Monday
7:45 AM5 PM
Tuesday
7:45 AM5 PM
Wednesday
7:45 AM5 PM
Thursday
7:45 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM)
Friday
7:45 AM3 PM
*Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Closed long weekends.
*From June to August, the office is closed on Saturdays. September to May, Saturday hours are 8:00am to 12:00pm.

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