Heartland Eye: Omaha's Only Low Vision Rehabilitation Eye Specialists

What Is Low Vision?

Low Vision is a loss of sight that cannot be corrected with ordinary eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. Anyone whose loss of vision interferes with their ability to do normal, everyday tasks has the potential to benefit from Low Vision services.

Who Is A Good Candidate For These Services?

A significant number of our patients suffer from macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and optic nerve disease. These diseases often impact reading, computer work, driving, watching television, and personal hygiene. Our program addresses those needs, but we also recognize that each patient is different - with their own specific hobbies and interests (woodworking, sewing, etc). We tailor our approach to each patient so that personal goals and agendas are addressed.

What To Expect...

Low Vision Rehabilitation teaches you how to successfully utilize the vision you have left. Our experience has taught us that this process does not happen in one doctor's visit and often involves the patient needing more than just a new pair of eyeglasses. It is natural for patients to assume that a stronger pair of glasses will alleviate their problem, but, in advanced cases of eye disease, stronger eyeglasses do not work. In fact, they can even make visual symptoms worse. Prescription magnifiers, telescopes, closed-circuit televisions, and other devices are necessary in these cases. We are excited to teach you how to utilize this technology.

A patient's view of a lake
with advanced macular degeneration.

We want you to leave our program with a renewed enthusiasm for life, able to enjoy some of the things that came natural to you before your vision loss. Simply put, your goals become our goals. You can expect us to passionately pursue your interests together.

Your initial visit to our Low Vision Rehabilitation Center will consist of a thorough health evaluation by one of our low-vision doctors. It usually takes about 2 hours. This will allow us to completely understand the nature and complexity of your problem. We will explain your disease in detail and coordinate a personalized plan based on your specific goals and interests. In the following visits, you will work with our team to execute the plan. Each of these visits lasts an hour and insurance typically covers the cost of each office visit.

How Much Does This Cost?

Examinations and occupational therapy visits are usually covered by your health insurance or Medicare. High-powered reading glasses, prescription magnifiers, and other devices are typically not covered.

Heartland Eye Consultants Is Omaha's Only Comprehensive Low-Vision Team With Over 25 Years Experience In Low-Vision Rehabilitation

Dr. Kyle Cheatham is a graduate of Indiana University School of Optometry. He recently completed one of the top Low Vision residencies in the country at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City. This facility is one of only three sites to have the VICTORS low vision program, an internationally recognized program in low vision rehabilitation. He brings the most current training and technology to our team.

Dr. Robert Vandervort is also a graduate of Indiana University School of Optometry and was residency trained at the VA Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. He received additional experience in low vision at Southern California College of Optometry as a full-time faculty member in the ocular disease and low vision department. Dr. Vandervort has been practicing low vision in Omaha for over 20 years.

Evelyn Katz, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist who has specialized in the rehabilitation of low vision patients for over 6 years. She assists patients in utilizing the full potential of their remaining vision so that day-to-day independence is maximized.

We Are Committed To A Team Approach In Providing Compassionate, Personalized Care With The Patient Being The Center Of The Team.

©2010 Heartland Eye Consultants | 9900 Nicholas St., Suite 250 | Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 493-6500 | 888-837-EYES (3937)