Simply Seniors: Thank you so much for sitting down with us and discussing such an important topic, I am sure it means a lot to our readers.
Dr. Cooper: I do stay very busy, however, I am grateful to get the chance to be able to be interviewed and share such great news with so many people. I am familiar with all of Utah’s publications and yours is one of my favorites.
Simply Seniors: We appreciate that…we understand you do not perform the standard or "routine" eye exams, due to the fact most of your patients have some type of disease that severely limits their ability to see and perform their daily activities in a way that would be tolerable. What type of vision problems do the majority of your patients have?
Dr. Cooper: Great question, I actually work with patients with all major sight limiting conditions, however, most of my patients have some type of age-related vision loss due to eye diseases such as Macular Degeneration. I know how devastating it can be to receive that type of diagnosis and my goal is to show people they can still enjoy all that life has to offer! I don’t want anyone to sit on the sidelines of life when I can help them live life to the fullest.
Simply Seniors: You’re a low vision specialist. How is that different from a standard optometrist?
Dr. Cooper: There is definitely a difference. A standard Optometrist is great at diagnosing and treating eye disease, prescribing hard and soft contact lenses, and prescribing regular glasses, and more. I am an Optometrist, however, I have further training and education in the field of Low Vision, and so now it is more accurate to refer to me as a low vision specialist or low vision optometrist. I have had specialized post-doctoral training from the biggest names in the field; Dr. Richard Feinbloom and Dr. Richard Shuldiner. These doctors write and are discussed in every major low vision text book to be found. It was a wonderful blessing to be taught by the leaders in the field. From my training I have been taught how to properly use multiple lenses in a single system in order to direct light onto more healthy parts of the retina. I help people maximize their remaining vision so they can get back to doing the things they love, whether it’s cooking their favorite meals, gardening, playing a round of golf or *driving to the local supermarket. (*depends on state laws, please check your state requirements prior to driving with any vision enhancing device.)I normally work with the patient’s current doctor, my goal is to get them to see better than anyone else can get them to see. When I accomplish this, it is imperative they continue following up with their current doctor to manage the eye disease.
Simply Seniors: What types of services do you provide and how do they differ from a typical eye appointment?
A low vision exam is quite different from a regular eye exam because it tests vision and function. My goal when working with patients is to first determine how reduced vision is affecting their lives. I perform a variety of tests to measure the level of vision and determine what type of assistance is needed. We calculate a prescription using a retinoscope and loose lenses. From there I work with the patient to identify their goals and match them with the right magnification. I understand that no two patients have exactly the same needs and I strive to personalize the experience as much as possible.
Simply Seniors: Are these specialized magnifiers?
Dr. Cooper: Yes, I work with a variety of high-powered magnification devices. They are not the handheld magnifiers you can pick up at your local store. Patients with low vision may be prescribed specialized telescopic, microscopic or prism glasses with varying levels of magnification and prescription. I also help educate patients about lighting and the role it plays in vision. Most people would be surprised by how making small changes in their daily lives can make a significant impact on their ability to perform necessary tasks. I can show people how to get the most use out of the vision they have left.
Simply Seniors: Tell us more about the specialized glasses. How do they work?
Dr. Cooper: Essentially, the specialized glasses deliver high levels of targeted magnification, similar to what you find when looking through a pair of binoculars, the difference is you receive a special prescription built into the small binoculars. My patients love them because they realize they can still do most of the things they used to do before their vision began to fade. And they’re always surprised by the marked improvement in their ability to see the world clearly again.
Simply Seniors: How much do the average pair of specialized glasses cost?
Dr. Cooper: The glasses range in price from $500 to $2500 and my patients say it’s the best money they’ve ever spent. Once they try them on during the individual consultation they see the world in a whole new light. These devices really do change people’s lives and open up a world of possibilities to them again. Some of my patients thought they would never be able to enjoy a movie again or finger through a family photo album, but these glasses have given them the freedom to do the things they love again; and that’s priceless!
Simply Seniors: How long does it take to get the glasses once you’ve had a consultation?
Dr. Cooper: It usually takes six weeks for specialized glasses to be fabricated, but if a person has a special event coming up arrangements can be made to have the lab put in a rush order. You can always call my office for a FREE telephone consultation and I will work with you to help you get your new glasses as soon as possible.
Simply Seniors: Well, it sounds like these glasses could be life-changing for seniors living with low vision. How can our readers find out more?
Dr. Cooper: As I mentioned, I offer FREE no risk, no pressure telephone consultations to every patient personally. During the interview I ask questions about their vision, functional abilities, goals, motivation, health, and mobility to determine the best solution for their particular vision challenges. I work hands on with each patient to tailor a custom plan designed to meet their specific needs. If you or someone you know are having difficulty performing daily tasks due to vision loss of any kind, don’t wait another day, call my toll-free number at 1-888-600-3564. I also make house calls across the state of Utah, so no patient is too far away to receive low vision services.
Simply Seniors: Thank you for your time, Dr. Cooper. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Dr. Cooper: I just want to reiterate that if you have age-related vision loss, or even vision complications related to Diabetes, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Ocular Albinism, ETC., I can help! Call my office today at 1-888-600-3564 to find out how you can start living life to the fullest.
Many people with age-related vision loss wonder whether they can still enjoy their favorite activities if their vision isn't as good as it used to be. Simply Seniors had the privilege and opportunity to sit down with Dr. Jared Cooper of Cooper Eye Care in an exclusive interview, to learn more about the life changing treatments Dr. Cooper has delivered to such a large amount of Simply Seniors readers.