How Is Special Eyes Vision Services Different From a Regular Optometry Practice?
Image of a child looking through a phoropter head as part of an eye examination.
At Special Eyes Vision, we’re often asked how our approach to eye care differs from that of a standard optometry clinic. The answer? While we offer all the essential components of a comprehensive eye exam, the methods by which we achieve this are often quite different, because for individuals with disabilities, complex needs, and unique visual (and other) behaviours the standard approach doesn’t work. Take the image above as an example. This piece of equipment is called a phoropter head. Phoropter heads are commonly used in optometry to measure a person’s prescription, but they can be very inaccessible for people with physical disabilities, a person with intellectual disability may struggle to understand how to position themselves so that they can see through the viewing holes, and for some of our patients, this type of equipment is just way too scary. We need a different approach.
The Foundations: What We Share With Other Optometrists
Just like any optometrist, we assess:
Visual acuity (the smallest detail you can see), but while the standard approach is to read letters of the alphabet from a chart, or name or match pictures, our approach might involve preferential looking tests, which require the person simply to look towards the image being presented. The examiner monitors the person’s eye gaze direction to determine if they are looking at the image, if they are looking towards it, they can see it. So we can measure visual acuity just by observation.
Refraction, to determine the need for glasses or contact lenses. This usually involves lots of questions: better with, or without; better with one or two; but by using a technique called retinoscopy we can measure a person’s prescription accurately, and all we really need for this is open eyes!
Eye health, we may need to try a few different techniques to find what works best for the individual, but we have lots of different approaches that we can try.
These essential steps form the foundation of all good eye care—and we make sure every patient gets that.
A Broader Look at Vision
Our assessments include more than just “can this person see clearly?” We also assess Functional vision to determine how someone uses their vision in day-to-day life. Incorporating assessments of contrast sensitivity, functional visual fields, as well as observing visual behaviour, and how a person navigates an environment, and engages with different activities affords a better understanding of how their vision level, combined with their other disabilities, impacts on their function.
For individuals with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), or suspected CVI, we can identify challenges due to brain-based visual processing differences, and provide tailored strategies to ensure full access to learning and therapies.
Low Vision Support and Assistive Tools
We don’t just diagnose—we support. If a person has reduced vision, we can offer:
Low vision aids, such as magnifiers, telescopes, or specialised lighting.
Practical advice and vision support strategies for the person, their carers, teachers, and therapists.
Advice regarding adaptations for home, school, or day programs to make environments more visually accessible.
Referral to further support, including to orientation and mobility specialists, who can help teach safe navigation strategies, assistive tech specialists, who can help with access to technology, and counselling for emotional support, because losing vision is a huge life change to navigate.
A Thoughtful Approach to Glasses and Frames
For some people, a standard pair of glasses simply won’t work. That’s why we offer:
Frames suited to those who use headrests or helmets: regular glasses often don’t fit or stay in place when someone requires a helmet or head support. For these people, glasses with a headband, rather than sides, can be a better choice.
Frames for children with Down syndrome, we stock Erins World frames which are designed specifically for people with Down syndrome, taking into account flatter nasal bridges and shorter temples.
We ensure comfort, fit, and durability for people who may wear glasses differently—or need a bit more support to keep them on.
A flexible approach
Our appointments are longer, our approach more flexible, and we meet the individual where they’re at—both physically and developmentally. We also take care to listen to concerns. For our non-speaking / minimally verbal patients, those closest to them can provide valuable information regarding their day-to-day function. We are never going to observe every behaviour during the hour or so that we spend with them, so we know how invaluable input from family, carers, and support workers is. You are the ones who have the answers, and our role is the ask the right questions, interpret, and explain the person’s unique visual profile and its impact on day-to-day function.
Every Eye Deserves to Be Seen
If you've ever struggled to find an optometrist who understands your or your child’s needs, or found navigating a regular clinic challenging, know that it doesn’t have to be that way.
We believe every person—regardless of ability, communication style, or behaviour—deserves the chance to see and be seen.
Ready to book? We’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our specialist services.