Low Vision Clinic
The Oregon Lions Statewide Low Vision Clinic (LVC) has been helping children with severe visual impairments since 1986.
Each year the clinic provides comprehensive low vision exams for approximately 130 children resulting in new strategies for learning at home and thriving in school. The clinic lives up to its name by serving children in all reaches of the state from Coos Bay to Ontario and Portland to Ashland.
Dr. J.P. Lowery, a Pediatric Optometrist from Pacific University, travels throughout Oregon working with students and their families to determine their low vision needs. A teacher or school representative working with regional programs for the visually impaired typically refers the students. After their evaluation and diagnosis, students are eligible to receive free low vision aids or other necessary devices that help the child to boost their learning. Most children can benefit from two devices, a monocular telescope for distance vision and a magnifier for close reading.
How to Access this Program
Clinics are scheduled yearly by each Regional Program for Students with Visual Impairment throughout the state. Any child with visual impairment may access the clinic through their teacher of the vision-impaired.
To learn more about the Low Vision Clinic, please call OLSHF at 503-413-7399 or email your contact information and request to Info@OLSHF.org.
Kennedy’s Story: Early Screening Changed Everything
When Kennedy was in kindergarten, she participated in a free vision screening provided through our program. That simple screening led to the discovery of a rare degenerative eye condition, something her family wouldn’t have known about for years without early detection.
Kennedy was referred to specialists in Oregon for further care, and this year, she received tinted glasses that immediately improved her ability to see contrast, helping her at school, in sports, and in daily life.
“Watching her light up as she put them on was a moment I will never forget. This support has changed not only her life, but our entire family’s future.”
Because of access to early screening and essential follow-up care, Kennedy isn’t just seeing more clearly, she’s stepping confidently into her future.
Kennedy, age 7
Kennedy, age 10
Meet Ady: An LVC Success Story
This is Adalynne “Ady”, a bright, young girl who has bilateral Optic Nerve Hypoplasia.
After Dr. Lowery helped Ady with a low vision assessment and evaluation when she started learning braille Ady lacked a proper tool to help engage her in reading. Ady’s mom, Erica, reached out to OLSHF for help to secure the Taptilo device for teaching braille. The cost of the device was out of reach for Ady’s family, and at the time, because of COVID, funds at the school district were frozen. That's when Dr. Lowery and the Low Vision Clinic stepped in to help. With grant funds, the Foundation purchased the device. Erica was thrilled that Ady's literacy increased thanks to access to the device and the kind support of Lions!
Fast forward to today: Ady is thriving! She’s gearing up for homeschooling and enjoying an exciting summer filled with horse riding lessons at Horse of Hope Adaptive Riding, camping trips, and fun at the Enchanted Forest.
