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Low Vision Services in Van Nuys, California

bioptic telescope glasses for low vision
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Low Vision Optometrist in Westchester, Los Angeles, California


Do You Suffer From Vision Loss?

Have You Been Told “Nothing More Can Be Done?”

If you or a loved one are having problems seeing and doing the things you enjoy, Dr. Ashcraft can help. If you have been told by your eye doctor that a change in your eyeglass prescription will not help you see better, call Dr. Ashcraft. He is trained to design special glasses that can make a difference.

Learn more about how Dr. Ashcraft can help you read,
drive, watch tv, see faces, and use a computer or phone.

How to Drive Safely With Bioptic Telescopic Glasses

How To Watch Television and Recognize Faces

How To See Your Phone, Tablet and Computer

How To Read Mail, Magazines, & Other Printed Material

When a Low Vision Patient is Told Nothing More Can Be Done

Screenshot 2020 06 30 When a low vision patient is told nothing more could be done Family Eyecare Center of Optometry

  • Have you been told nothing more can be done for your vision?
  • Are you struggling to read, see faces across the room or view television?
  • Do you feel you are losing your independence by not being able to drive?
  • Are you unable to do hobbies like playing cards or use the computer?
  • Do you have new glasses that are not much better than you old ones?

Hi, I’m Dr. Harold Ashcraft, a low vision optometrist.

With new technology and special vision aids, I help people like you read again, see faces and television, engage in your hobbies again, and in many cases, drive.

It hasn’t always been that way.

Years ago, my own grandmother was struggling with macular degeneration and she came to me for help. She wanted to read, play the organ, and see the faces of her many grandchildren.

I was able to help her read better. But at that time, like most other optometrists, I did not know about all of the possible low vision aids and devices that could help her. I did not have samples to show her.

So, I told my grandmother what you may have been told, that nothing more could be done. I told her I couldn’t help her do the things she wanted to do, like play the organ or see faces.

I didn’t know it then, but I was wrong. Many possibilities existed for her.

If my grandmother were alive today, I would tell her that I could help her. I would show her how she could continue to do the things she loved to do.

If poor vision is holding you back from doing the things you want to do, give me a call at 888-648-9525 to set up a free consultation.

Dr. Ashcraft Helps Doctor Return to Normal Life Activities

Screenshot 2020 07 02 Dr Ashcraft helps patient regain her balance and get back to living life normally again

Driving, Seeing Television and Faces with Telescopic Lenses

Screenshot 2020 08 07 Driving, Seeing Television and Faces with Telescopic Lenses Family Eyecare Center of Optometry

Low Vision FAQ

1. What does low vision mean?

Low vision means vision loss that cannot be corrected with standard eyeglasses, medication, contacts,
or surgery.

2. What are some common causes of low vision?

Some common causes of low vision are macular degeneration, glaucoma, strokes, diabetic eye disease,
inoperable cataracts, Stargardt’s Disease, juvenile macular degeneration, albinism, and Retinitis
Pigmentosa.

3. How do macular degeneration glasses work?

Macular degeneration glasses work by providing more magnification than standard glasses to help
people read and do other near tasks such as seeing cell phones and computers.

4. Can people with low vision drive in California?

In many states, including California, people with low vision (mild to moderate central vision loss but
with good side vision) are permitted to drive, often with the help of bioptic telescopes.

Van Nuys, California Highlights


Van Nuys, California is home to more than 100,000 people and it has a rich history to support its lavish communities. Van Nuys gets its name from Isaac Newton Van Nuys, being founded in 1911. Later Van Nuys was basically annexed by Los Angeles in 1915.

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1932 erected Art Deco Valley Municipal building in Van Nuys, established it as a satellite to the valley area. Van Nuys is topped by North Hills, and resting on Sherman Oaks. Other neighboring cities sandwiching Van Nuys from the east and west are Valley Glen and Lake Balboa.

The mayor of Van Nuys, Eric Garcetti, in 2014 presented the “Green Streets” project. This project was initiated to resurface roads on Victory Boulevard and Oxnard Street. More streets are being added and resurfaced. The average age of the population of Van Nuys is considered young for the county; at 28 years of age.

Van Nuys is home to a few parks as well as a recreation center. The recreation center on Vanowen Avenue, which has a variety of activities to participate in such as basketball, handball, and tennis courts, a soccer and baseball field, an indoor gym, and children’s play area.

Woodley Park is also a great place to go to enjoy the outdoors, it is located on Woodley Avenue and the facility has quite a lot to offer. The park features cricket and baseball fields, an archery range, a children’s play area, a wildlife preservation area, as well as an Apollo 3 flight field. The city also has a Sky Zone Trampoline Park, offering fun for ages with the many of activities they offer such as the dodge ball tournament.

Here are some fun facts about Van Nuys that some people may not know. An interesting fact is that in 1966 Van Nuys had a Busch Gardens amusement park, offering raft rides, and other activities. It was later changed to Busch Bird Sanctuary. Two years after the change the location completely shut down and closed.

Van Nuys has a considerably low crime rate given its population. Neighborhoods are considered safe and above average in the county. The housing market is great in Van Nuys and is considered above average in the county. Approximately 74 percent of the residences are renters and the rest are considered home owners.

The educational system in Van Nuys is considered to be above average. Renowned actress Marilyn Monroe actually attended Van Nuys Senior High School and was featured in the 1941 yearbook.

With safe neighborhoods, low crime rates and a great local economy, Van Nuys makes a perfect place to solidify some roots.

Van Nuys Locations and Landmarks



Valley Presbyterian Hospital

15107 Vanowen St
Van Nuys, CA 91405
818-782-6600

Van Nuys Branch Library

6250 Sylmar Ave
Van Nuys, CA 91401
818-756-8453

Hollywood Community Hospital of Van Nuys

14433 Emelita St
Van Nuys, CA 91401
818-787-1511



 
More Locations
 


Encino-Tarzana Hospital

6705 Valjean Ave
Van Nuys, CA 91406
818-947-0500

The Gardens at Park Balboa

7046 Kester Ave
Van Nuys, CA 91405
818-787-0462

Queen Comfort Care Center

6534 Mclennan Ave
Van Nuys, CA 91406
818-370-2339



 

Anthony C. Beilenson Park & Lake Balboa

6300 Balboa Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91406
818-756-9743

Woodley Park

6335 Woodley Ave.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
818-756-8187

Van Nuys Park

14301 Vanowen St
Van Nuys, CA 91405
818-756-8131