Live Your Life Independently- Hope For Low Vision Patients from Mississippi

A common statement we hear from our patients is "Our previous Retinologist or Ophthalmologist said that there was nothing further that can be done.” This is a common misconception!
Low Vision Optometry is a highly technical area of optometry which requires extensive training and education. Members of The IALVS have spent years developing advanced solutions which maximize the usefulness and effectiveness of remaining vision.
Your Ophthalmologist or Retinologist is focused on the medical aspect of your eye condition. While not all patients can be helped with Low Vision aids, most patients that we fit with custom optics or other Low Vision devices experience a profound improvement in their everyday quality of life.

One of the hardest realities of living with low vision is the need to constantly rely on others. Transitioning to a lifestyle of dependency is traumatic both for the person with low vision, as well as their families. Many times the spouse or child will be left to run errands, drive the patient around, cook and clean and much more.
Low vision aids may give the patient the freedom to perform the tasks they need and regain their self-sufficiency.

Our low vision optometrist, Dr. Roderick Fields, is a member of the International Academy Of Low Vision Specialists, a professional organization dedicated to enabling low vision patients access to the optical and digital technology that will transform their life. Dr. Roderick Fields is passionate about low vision care and making a difference in our communities.
40 Years Of Helping People With Vision Loss
Low Vision is a condition, whether caused by eye disease, genetics, trauma, or other events, where fully corrected vision with conventional glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery, remains insufficient to do what you want to do.
Some consider low vision to be less than 20/40 vision. Others consider it to be less than 20/70 vision. However, The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) believes that the inability to see well enough to do those tasks you want to continue doing, even with your best glasses (contacts or refractive surgery) is sufficient reason to seek the help of a low vision optometrist.
In a case of Low Vision, the patient is typically unable to perform basic everyday tasks. This includes:
- Difficulty with getting around independently
- Driving
- Using the computer
- Watching television
- Recognizing Faces
- Reading
- Writing
- etc.
The burden of such a sudden loss of independence means that Low Vision not only robs the patient of functional capability, it also leaves the patient mentally and emotionally devastated.
While commonly associated with seniors over the age of 60, Low Vision also affects children and adults of all ages. Age-Related Macular Degeneration is the most common cause for Low Vision in the US, however patients from all over Mississippi visit for Low Vision care for a wide variety of conditions and diseases.
During your low vision eye exam, Dr. Roderick Fields will determine your level of vision, see if new regular glasses will be an improvement, discuss your wish list and help decide the best solution to help you regain as much day to day functioning as possible.
You will discuss with Dr. Roderick Fields what your specific vision goals are, such as reading, writing, recognizing faces, watching TV, or driving. We will determine what areas of your vision are lacking, whether central or peripheral. We will then recommend the various low vision aids or devices that will help you do what you want to do. The low vision exam takes about an hour. Dr. Richard Shuldiner, the founder of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists explains further:
Our patients are often moved to tears when they can get back to doing the things they love. We have shared some of our patient's experiences in order to show the dramatic life-changing nature of low vision care.
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A Low Vision Eye Exam should be conducted as soon as you have received a diagnosis of an eye disease or condition that could lead to Low Vision. A Low Vision optometrist stays up to date on the latest research in slowing down the progression of vision loss, so it is essential to book a Low Vision exam right away. Most of our patients visit us after years of struggling with severe vision loss. If you or a loved one have a visual impairment, call our Low Vision doctor for a free phone consultation to understand how you may be helped. If you are in doubt our Gulfport low vision optometrist can help, we encourage you to call and Dr. Roderick Fields will be happy to discuss your concerns on the phone.
A low vision optometrist fits custom vision aids and devices, which allow the Low Vision patient to maximize the use of their remaining vision in the most effective way possible. This allows someone suffering from Low Vision to regain their ability to perform everyday tasks, as well as their independence and human dignity.
For example, A 65-year-old patient with Macular Degeneration wanted to be able to go shopping and visit people without feeling like a burden on others. Our Low Vision optometrist, Dr. Roderick Fields, custom designed bioptic telescope glasses that enabled the patient to drive, read, and go shopping once again, without needing the help of others.
Driving rules are complex and constantly changing. We have helped low vision patients from all over Mississippi regain their independence and drive again with bioptic telescope glasses.
See What Our Patients Say...
How Can A Low Vision Doctor Help Me?
Our Low Vision Optometrist, Dr. Roderick Fields, helps patients from all over Mississippi, with eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, cataracts and more, to maximize their remaining vision to its full potential in order to recover and save vision functionality. This is done with the help of highly specialized Low Vision optics/glasses and other vision aids that help patients regain their independence.
Dr. Roderick Fields, our Low Vision eye doctor, is passionate about helping people in Mississippi recover their day to day functioning. Too many patients leave their ophthalmologist or retinologist thinking there is nothing left to be done but manage the disease to prevent further vision loss.
Dr. Roderick Fields is a member of the International Academy Of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS), the premier organization of Low Vision Optometrists. All members of IALVS receive extensive training to learn how to help patients with vision loss maximize their remaining vision using the latest devices and technology.
For many people, proper use of a Low Vision device means being able to read, drive, sew, play cards, watch television, and use the computer—all of which would be impossible without these Low Vision aids. At the Southern Low Vision, we help patients from Gulfport, Jackson, Hornlake, and Meridian to enjoy life after vision loss with Low Vision aids.
How Can A Low Vision Doctor Help Me?
Our Low Vision Optometrist, Dr. Roderick Fields, helps patients from all over Mississippi, with eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, cataracts and more, to maximize their remaining vision to its full potential in order to recover and save vision functionality. This is done with the help of highly specialized Low Vision optics/glasses and other vision aids that help patients regain their independence.
Dr. Roderick Fields, our Low Vision eye doctor, is passionate about helping people in Mississippi recover their day to day functioning. Too many patients leave their ophthalmologist or retinologist thinking there is nothing left to be done but manage the disease to prevent further vision loss.
Dr. Roderick Fields is a member of the International Academy Of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS), the premier organization of Low Vision Optometrists. All members of IALVS receive extensive training to learn how to help patients with vision loss maximize their remaining vision using the latest devices and technology.
For many people, proper use of a Low Vision device means being able to read, drive, sew, play cards, watch television, and use the computer—all of which would be impossible without these Low Vision aids. At the Southern Low Vision, we help patients from Gulfport, Jackson, Hornlake, and Meridian to enjoy life after vision loss with Low Vision aids.

How To Deal With Low Vision: Low Vision Aids
A Low Vision aid is any tool or device that can help a person with vision loss perform the tasks that they most want to be able to perform. The treatment for Low Vision has changed drastically with new technologies which have revolutionized Low Vision and resulted in far more effective tools to regain vision function.
There have been major improvements in the optical design and construction of Low Vision telescopes, microscope glasses, filters, and prisms. Furthermore, a range of digital devices have been developed which can significantly boost the ability of a Low Vision sufferer to function. These include IRISVISION, ORCAM, ESIGHT and CCTV stands, as well as portable digital magnifiers. Give us a call to learn more about the different low vision aids, devices, magnifiers, and glasses.
Because of the large range of options, it is crucial to speak with a Low Vision optometrist who will help you navigate the options and find the option that will give you the best solution to your specific needs. Southern Low Vision is the preferred provider of Low Vision aids for patients from Gulfport, Jackson, Hornlake, and Meridian.

Driving With Low Vision
Did you know that most US states allow driving with bioptic telescopes?
Custom fit bioptic telescope glasses allow a driver to alternate between a normal view and a magnified view to read road signs, see traffic lights and emergencies.
This is similar to using the side or rear view mirrors as needed in normal driving. Our Low Vision Doctor, Dr. Roderick Fields, has enabled countless patients in Mississippi to regain the ability to drive again.
Driving With Low Vision
Did you know that most US states allow driving with bioptic telescopes?
Custom fit bioptic telescope glasses allow a driver to alternate between a normal view and a magnified view to read road signs, see traffic lights and emergencies.
This is similar to using the side or rear view mirrors as needed in normal driving. Our Low Vision Doctor, Dr. Roderick Fields, has enabled countless patients in Mississippi to regain the ability to drive again.

Low Vision Diseases And Other Conditions
A leading cause of visual loss in the US of people over 60, macular degeneration is a partial or complete loss of central vision while peripheral vision remains intact. The most sensitive part of the back of the eye, known as the macula, becomes damaged. Patients will tell us of difficulty seeing faces, focusing, and doing daily tasks such as driving, reading, or watching TV.
What Can We Do To Help?
Dr. Roderick Fields has helped lots of patients from all over Mississippi with macular degeneration regain their independence. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses, E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs in diabetics as a result of high blood sugar levels. This causes leakages of fluid or blood from the blood vessels in the retina. In addition, as the disease progresses, new blood vessels (neovascularization) develop that continue to damage the eye. The result is vision loss.
Dr. Roderick Fields has helped lots of patients from all over Mississippi with diabetic retinopathy regain their independence. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses, E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic eye condition in which the rod cells of the retina cease functioning. This degeneration will cause a loss of peripheral vision, night blindness, and can lead to total loss of vision.
How Can We Help And Provide Hope?
Dr. Roderick Fields can help people with Mississippi with RP function better. Reverse telescope glasses may be able to increase visual field size to improve mobility. Magnification may be useful if central loss is an issue. We suggest you call and discuss your particular situation with the doctor.
Juvenile Macular Degeneration - Stargardt’s Disease/Best Disease/Juvenile Retinoschisis
Juvenile macular degeneration is an eye disease developed in youth or early adolescents where the macula is damaged in the retina. Those with this eye condition will have issues with central vision, focusing, blurry vision, and seeing in dim lighting.
How Can We Help?
Low vision glasses and devices have proven to be extremely helpful for those with Stargardt’s Disease. Dr. Roderick Fields has helped many patients from Mississippi who suffer from this eye disease to regain their independence and even drive again.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve due to a buildup of pressure in the eye. Known as the “sneak thief of vision,” this condition will cause a loss of the peripheral vision.
How Can We Help And Provide Hope?
Dr. Roderick Fields has helped lots of patients from all over Mississippi with glaucoma regain their independence. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses s, E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back. Because glaucoma can cause different types of vision loss, it is best to discuss your particular situation with the doctor.
When the brain is damaged due to a stroke, brain injury, or tumor, vision is often affected. Stroke often causes Hemianopsia, which is decreased or total visual field loss in half of your field of vision.
How Can We Help?
We help stroke patients adjust to vision loss and to re-learn focus and balance. Dr. Roderick Fields offers special prism glasses, developed by IALVS member Dr. Errol Rummel, to help patients from Mississippi see with their remaining vision. These custom Side Vision Awareness Glasses (SVAG), have helped stroke patients from all over the world regain their independence. With the latest Low Vision aids and tech, we can help you regain your independence so you can identify people, read, watch, TV, and more.
Albinism causes the central part of the retina, called the macula, to develop improperly. The macula is responsible for clear, sharp vision. When one has albinism, the retina is pale and central vision is reduced. The iris, which absorbs light, is lacking pigment which causes disability glare. Patients with albinism usually have impaired vision, crossed eyes, lazy eyes, and a sensitivity to bright light.
How Can We Help?
Dr. Roderick Fields has helped a number of patients from Mississippi suffering from albinism to perform everyday tasks. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
This genetic eye condition leaves patients with the inability to see colors, leaving the world in a grayscale of black and white. Achromatopsia causes reduced visual acuity, complaints of glare, and nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
How Can We Help?
Dr. Roderick Fields has helped lots of patients from all over Mississippi with Achromatopsia regain their independence. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses, E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
Over 24 million people in the US have this eye condition, where the naturally clear crystalline lens inside the eye becomes cloudy to the point where vision is impaired. Cataracts often cause glare, reduced acuity, change of color vision and reduced contrast.
How Can We Help?
Cataract removal and replacement with an artificial lens is the standard of care. However, not all cataract patients are surgical candidates. Dr. Roderick Fields is well equipped to help cataract patients from Mississippi function better Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
This genetic eye condition leaves patients with the inability to see colors, leaving the world in a grayscale of black and white. Achromatopsia causes reduced visual acuity, complaints of glare, and nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
How Can We Help?
Dr. Roderick Fields has helped lots of patients from all over Mississippi with Achromatopsia regain their independence. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses, E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
This is a condition where the optic nerve is damaged due to glaucoma, stroke, genetics, autoimmune conditions or any other forms of brain injury. Since this nerve carries impulses to the brain, when it is damaged, there can be central vision and/or peripheral vision loss.
Here Is How We Can Help
Dr. Roderick Fields has various Low Vision aids that are equipped to help patients from Mississippi suffering from any of these conditions. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back.
Nystagmus is an eye condition that causes involuntary eye movement or shaking of the eyes. Patients will have trouble focusing and issues maintaining balance.
What We Can Do To Help
We offer various low vision aids, such as prisms, that help patients keep their eyes focused and still, allowing them to see clearly again. Dr. Roderick Fields has helped those from Mississippi suffering from this eye disease to do everyday task that proved too difficult before.
This is an eye condition where the patient has severe short-sightedness or myopia. The eyeball continues to become more and more elongated causing stretching of the retina. Often, the macula is damaged, causing central vision loss.
Here Is How We Can Help
Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back
Rod-Cone Dystrophy is an eye condition that causes the loss of the photoreceptors known as cones and eventually rods. Initially, central and color vision loss occurs followed by night blindness.
How We Can Help
Dr. Roderick Fields can help patients from Mississippi with Rod-Cone Dystrophy. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back
This eye condition affects the innermost layer of the cornea, causing improper amounts of fluid to enter the cornea or front “window” of the eye. Patients will have eye pain, sensitivity to light, difficulty with night vision, and cloudy vision.
What Can We Do To Help?
We offer different solutions for those suffering from Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy. Dr. Roderick Fields helps patients through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back
Histoplasmosis Retinopathy a disease caused by infected airborne spores. This is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 20-40. Straight lines will appear crooked and blind spots in the vision field will develop.
How We Can Help
When there is vision loss from this disease, we can work with patients to restore the vision with our Low Vision aids. Through our various Low Vision aids such as bioptic telescopic glasses E-Scoop glasses, magnifiers, and the latest in Low Vision technology, we have helped patients drive, do household tasks, recognize faces, and get their lives back

There Is Hope For Families Of Low Vision Patients
If your father, mother, spouse or child is visually impaired, it can cause intense tension and strain at home. Your loved one suffering from Low Vision will likely be stressed, angry, or depressed about his or her condition and loss of independence. It is important to keep in mind the incredible stress that vision loss causes. As family members, you should encourage your loved ones to explore the possibilities that low vision care opens up. Members of the IALVS use demonstrator low vision glasses and devices during the low vision evaluation to show the patient how they can keep performing the desired tasks. If the patient does not want to speak with Dr. Roderick Fields, we encourage children or spouses to talk to Dr. Roderick Fields to discuss how we can help.
There Is Hope For Families Of Low Vision Patients
If your father, mother, spouse or child is visually impaired, it can cause intense tension and strain at home. Your loved one suffering from Low Vision will likely be stressed, angry, or depressed about his or her condition and loss of independence. It is important to keep in mind the incredible stress that vision loss causes. As family members, you should encourage your loved ones to explore the possibilities that low vision care opens up. Members of the IALVS use demonstrator low vision glasses and devices during the low vision evaluation to show the patient how they can keep performing the desired tasks. If the patient does not want to speak with Dr. Roderick Fields, we encourage children or spouses to talk to Dr. Roderick Fields to discuss how we can help.
CLEAR IMAGE PRISMATIC READER
E-SCOOP MEN'S FRAME, ORANGE LENS
FULL DIAMETER TELESCOPE GLASSES
E-SCOOP WOMEN'S FRAME, YELLOW LENS
ONE PIECE PRISMATIC MICROSCOPE
LOWER POWER TELESCOPE GLASSES
SIDE VISION AWARENESS GLASSES
BIOPTIC LENSES