Visit our 2 convenient locations!

5900 Heckert Rd.
P.O. Box 324
Bakerstown, PA 15007
724-443-6767 Phone
724-443-6730 Fax

4001 Freeport Rd.
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
724-226-0444 Phone
724-226-0744 Fax

 

Services

Low Vision Evaluation

  1. The FREE TELEPHONE INTERVIEW.This is required for an appointment with Dr. Bissell and the Tri-State Low Vision Team to determine if you are a good candidate for our products and services. We will not waste a person’s time or money if we believe we cannot help him or her.
  2. The Low Vision evaluation consists of three steps:
  • Evaluate the amount of vision the patient has.
  • Determine the amount of vision needed to complete the patient’s desired task.
  • Recommend the best magnification device that allows the person to do the task.

We find out the amount of vision the patient has by performing a low vision evaluation. The low vision examination is not anything like a regular eye exam:

  • Specialized charts and techniques are used to “draw out” any residual vision that may be “hiding” in the periphery.
  • Regular eyeglass prescriptions are rechecked to improve the prescription if possible.
  • We evaluate how magnification affects the level of vision

Very specific questions and demonstrations will determine the amount of vision needed to perform the patient’s desired task.

  • We ask the patient to bring samples of print they want to see (racing charts, stock market pages, automobile repair manuals…).
  • Patients are asked to bring samples of activities they do (needlework, spark plugs, bridge cards…).

With these samples, the best magnification device is used that allows the person to do the task by having many unique demonstrators in the office.

Low vision device are not ordered unless we prove to the patient that the device works in the office first.

Telescopic Eyeglasses

Miniature Binoculars inserted into eyeglasses are called TELESCOPIC SPECTACLES. The patient’s eyeglass prescription as well as the highest quality optics must be used in the system for maximum clarity. Telescopic spectacles can be for one eye (monocular) or two eyes (binocular). The telescope can be mounted in various positions in the glasses.

Bioptic Position Smaller telescopes mounted high in the glasses allow the person to view through either the telescope or the “carrier”, the regular prescription lens, by simply moving the head slightly up or down. This position is used for tasks like walking, driving, theater, at sporting events, church or travel.

Full Diameter Position Either small or larger telescopes are placed in the center of the frame for tasks not requiring mobility. They are used for reading, television, card playing, or simply enjoying seeing the faces of those in conversation.

Near Position Two telescopes can be “converged” for use at near when reading or performing fine detailed tasks.

Telescopes vary in power, field, weight, focusable and non-focusable. Telescopic optics is very complex. The knowledge and experience of the doctor in designing and fitting is extremely important in determining what is best for you. Dr. Bissell has designed and fit many patients with telescopic spectacles and he is extremely experienced in this area of optometry. Cost varies with the prescription needed in the system and the type of telescopes ordered. This can be discussed during the FREE TELEPHONE INTERVIEW.

Custom Position Telescopes can be placed in any position and at any angle a task demands. For example, a of custom telescope was designed for a student who needed one telescope angled down for reading and writing and the other up for seeing the teacher and the chalkboard.

Microscope Eyeglasses

Microscope Eyeglasses are double lens systems that combine the patients eyeglass prescription with the amount of magnification needed. The amount of magnification depends upon the level of remaining vision and the size of the material to be seen.

These state of the art optical systems require two lenses piggybacked to reduce the blur and aberrations caused by high powered lenses. Because they require a close working distance, they are usually used with one eye (monocular).

Prismatic Eyeglasses

Prismatic eyeglasses can be single or double lens systems and incorporate prism to allow the two eyes to work together. They are useful for patients whose eyes are approximately equal in vision and do not require high magnification.

Introducing the E-Scoop®

The E-Scoop® lens was developed to bridge the gap between standard eyeglasses and head borne telescopes. Whether your difficulty be night driving, bright light, sunlight, or simply seeing clearly in the distance, the E-Scoop® lens placed over a standard eyeglass prescription will help you see better. The E-Scoop® lens is comprised of five basic optical properties: custom yellow tint, anti-reflective coating, special lens thickness, base curve, and base up prism. When these five optical properties are combined into the E-Scoop lens, the image is enhanced and shifted to a different part of the macula allowing the patient to see better

The Science of Vision Vitamins

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease that currently affects approximately 1.75 million people and is expected to increase to 3 million by the year 2020. The National Institutes of Health has dedicated vast resources to study the causes and preventative measures possible to help manage AMD.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) completed in 2001, sponsored by the National Eye Institute, found that taking high, therapeutic levels of antioxidants and zinc can reduce the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by about 25%. A second study, AREDS 2, to be completed in 2013, will evaluate the effects of Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil on progression to advanced stages of AMD. Features & Benefits

You will benefit from our patented, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients used at high, therapeutic levels to provide powerful support for your vision and retinal health. Macula Therapy Formula™ utilizes a blend of antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids and fish oil that will deliver the micronutrients needed by your macula. Our enteric coated fish oil bypasses your stomach and is absorbed into the intestinal wall. You will be able to finally enjoy the benefits of fish oil without the G.I. disturbances