Table 1 Frequent patient questions regarding vision rehabilitation (VR) with sample answers.

What will they (VR specialists) do for me?

“They will help to maximize your remaining vision and recommend different strategies and ways to tackle everyday activities so that you may function as safely and independently as possible”.

Will I get new glasses?

“Evaluating the glasses prescription is a routine part of VR care and glasses will be prescribed if they improve your vision and you see benefit. However, glasses will not correct for the visual field loss from glaucoma” [20].

Am I going to keep seeing you?

“Yes, I will continue to follow-up with you to monitor the health of your eyes, while my colleague will help you live with your disease better, making sure you are as safe and functional as you possibly can be given your vision problems”.

I went before, but they didn’t help me.

“While no one can fully restore the vision or function lost from glaucoma, VR strategies involve adapting behaviors to make tasks easier. When you are ready and open, they may be helpful to you”.

I don’t have any problems, why do I need to see them?

“They can discuss strategies and demonstrate equipment that may help you in the future if you are not experiencing problems now”.

Is it covered by my insurance?

“Insurance does cover the costs of office visits to see a VR specialist for clinical care including rehabilitation training”.

Coverage of visual assistive equipment, however, depends on the policies of the country in which you practice.

I already have a magnifier, what else are they going to do for me?

“There are many different types of visual assistive equipment, technology and resources that may be helpful for traveling, managing changes in lighting conditions and assisting with your daily activities inside the home and outside the home”.

So, does this mean I’m not going to get better?

“We are working together to maintain and maximize the vision you have now.

Although we are not able to restore you vision back to normal at this time, the VR specialist can help you better use the vision you have”.