The Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is now operating three low vision satellite clinics with the recent opening of a clinic in Sioux City, Iowa.
"With the opening of this satellite clinic we are better able to serve the needs of the citizens of northwestern Iowa, northeast Nebraska, and southeast South Dakota," said John Shepherd, M.D., director of the center.
The satellite clinic, which opened last fall, is located in the Wadzinski Eye Clinic, 5855 Sunnybrook Drive in Sioux City. The satellite clinic is open one day a week during business hours.
Other low vision clinic locations include:
- Hastings, Neb.: Retina Center of Nebraska, 2115 N. Kansas Ave, suite 104;
- Lincoln, Neb.: Taylor Meadows Medical Center, 1101 S. 70th St., suite 200; and
- Omaha: Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation, UNMC, 704 S. 38th Ave.
For more information about the Weigel Williamson Center or to make an appointment at any of the satellite low vision clinic call 402.559.2463 or visit the website at: www.unmc.edu/lowvision.
Low vision affects nearly 3.2 million Americans and is expected to double by the year 2050.
The professionals at the Weigel Williamson Center help people with low vision adapt to their vision loss and live full lives.
While there are several diseases that can cause low vision, the most common are macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
"While there are currently no cures for the eye diseases that cause low vision," Dr. Shepherd said. "Low vision services can help equip individuals to function better with their remaining sight."
The goal of the Weigel Williamson Center, he said, is to help individuals maximize the use of their residual vision with devices, technology, training and counseling, so they can regain their independence and lead active lives.
Low vision professionals can develop and implement a rehabilitation plan that identifies strategies and assistive devices appropriate for a person’s particular needs. Vision rehabilitation services include training to use adaptive devices, such as reading machines, bioptic lenses and lighted magnifiers, as well as teaching new daily living skills.
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