Our Approach to Low Vision
Why We're Different
Once upon a time, Charlie, President of both Chadwick Optical and Tech Optics International, was dialed into a semi-annual conference call with a number of other low vision companies. One of the topics of the call was to define the group’s lobbying position on whether Medicare should cover low vision devices.
Just for some context, Medicare covering low vision devices might be the single best thing that could possibly happen for elderly people with low vision.
Charlie listened to the biggest names in low vision, the folks running the largest companies in the business, discuss how supporting Medicare coverage would lead to reduced profit margins and more competition in the field, and that it was potentially a bad thing for our businesses.
Charlie sat silently on the call, disappointed at the hypocrisy shown by his peers, and recognizing the lack of weight his voice carried in this group. What about the patient!? This group's purpose was to "work to raise awareness of low vision rehabilitation among eye care providers as well as visually impaired consumers and their caregivers." What better way to support this mission than for Medicare to cover low vision devices?
When the owners of Tech Optics called Charlie to see if he was interested in purchasing the company, that was his chance to turn his disappointment into action. Chadwick Optical's mission is to “facilitate access to life-changing devices for patients with challenging visual needs.” This was the opportunity to do that for low vision devices!
You see, we think putting profit over patients is flat-out wrong. While we can't claim to be a nonprofit, we want to make the world a better place, and hopefully make some money in the process. But we NEVER want to come between patients and what they need. Particularly people marginalized by the current healthcare system, like elderly and disabled folks.
Bottom line? Our mission is to help low vision patients find the right device to help them see better. Period.
So we’re here - whether you need guidance finding devices or want to learn how to better support low vision patients.
How we created some of our most popular and unique Tech Optics products
Our best products have come from some really cool people - you!
Long ago the folks at Chadwick Optical decided that they wouldn't turn away doctors or patients looking for unique ways to address complex visual challenges. Dubbed “the anything lab,” Chadwick Optical happily and eagerly takes on unusual optical cases with one goal in mind: to facilitate access to life-changing visual solutions for everyone.
In late 2019, Chadwick Optical welcomed Tech Optics International into its family of optical enthusiasts. Along with a mission to help underserved patients with low vision needs, Tech Optics has adopted Chadwick’s unending determination to help doctors get the best possible visual solutions into the hands of their patients.
The examples below all came from your dedication to overcoming whatever obstacles are preventing your patients from seeing better.
So, if you need something you can’t find somewhere else, give us a call. We look forward to partnering with you to improve patients' lives.
Assessing Low Vision Patients Remotely
Can’t assess a patient’s low vision needs in person? To meet the emerging demand for remote solutions to assessing low vision patients, we created our Remote Low Vision Assessment Kit. This enables you to assess visual acuity, lighting and glare without seeing your patient in person. Using information from the kit and some online tools we developed, you can determine a patient’s magnification needs and find the best solution for them, all without requiring an in-office visit.
Reducing Patient Glare from Afar
During a phone call with our team, a Veteran’s Affairs low vision specialist lamented the challenges of remote glare assessment and asked if there was a way she could better assess her patients’ issues remotely using a single-use disposable item. To the best of her knowledge, nothing like that existed. Leveraging assets from the printing industry and the theatre lighting industry, we created our Single Use Glare Cards. Now you can assess the effectiveness of glare for your patients in person or on a virtual call efficiently, effectively, and economically.
Disposable Vision Charts for the Win
After having to repeatedly disinfect her assessment charts (and noticing them degrading over time), one low vision practitioner contacted us for help. To meet her needs (and, it turns out, those of dozens of other practitioners), we developed single-use Near Point Acuity Cards. (Don’t worry, they’re biodegradable.) They can be sent directly to a patient for remote use or kept on hand for one-time use with in-office patients. Best of all? Our chart offers contrast, near vision and Amsler on one printed chart.
The Moral of These Stories
Don’t hold back. We want to hear about your ideas and needs. Got a problem? Need some help? We literally live for these types of challenges. So do us a favor and let us know what you need. Let’s make optical magic together!
Tools & Resources
Did you know that most questions that start with "did you know" are usually super boring and possibly totally irrelevant?
Well, not in this case. Because we're about to rock your world with our super-fly low vision resources.
Take a gander at our tips, tricks, and tools for helping other people gander better. (Or ignore them and go it alone - it sucks more than using our free stuff does. Scout's honor.)
Feel free to give us a call if you need an extra hand, or eye.
