Low Vision Centers
The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) is affiliated with numerous low vision centers in Massachusetts. At a low vision center, optometrists provide low vision exams in a clinical setting. The low vision exam provides important information about how a person functions in everyday life, and patients learn to maximize their usable vision, often with prescribed optical devices. Patients may be referred to a MABVI occupational therapist following the exam to continue training on adaptive strategies in the home.
Clients are responsible for any co-pays, deductibles, refraction fees and costs of any devices. Read our helpful document What to Expect at a Low Vision Center.
There are many benefits to visiting a low vision center. First, the low vision exam is highly specialized and eye charts and tools are specifically developed to determine if the client can benefit from optical devices. MABVI also offers an array of other services to help those with low vision. Most importantly, the assessment does not have to end in the clinic but can be taken into the home to help with activities. One of our occupational therapists trained in vision rehabilitation can ensure that individuals who have purchased adaptive equipment have the training to use it properly and that their home environment enhances their level of usable vision.
MABVI Low Vision Center:
Pittsfield: Dr. Charles Mandel sees patients once a month at:
152 North Street, Suite 125
Pittsfield, MA 01201
To schedule an appointment at a MABVI low vision center call (toll-free) 888-613-2777 or send an email.
MA Affiliated Doctors/Clinics:
Belmont: Dr. Amanda Belleville, OD sees patients for low vision evaluations at Bennett Family Eye Care. She customizes a plan, depending on each patients’ visual needs, including different low vision devices, contacts, and glasses. She treats patients with impaired vision ranging from mild to severe. For an appointment please call 617-484-1414 and request a low vision exam. Visit our website at http://www.belmontoptometrists.com for more information.
Metro Boston, Southeast and South Coast: Dr. Rodney Immerman has been exclusively practicing low vision since 1982. He sees patients for low vision evaluations in 10 offices throughout eastern, southeastern and South Coast Massachusetts. Locations include Woburn, Wakefield, Winchester, Quincy, Norwood, Brockton, Pembroke, Taunton, North Dartmouth, and Fall River. He can be reached directly at 508-991-8200 to arrange an appointment or by email at LowVisionMassachusetts@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.MetroBostonLowvision.com
Middleboro: Dr. Alexis Malkin, OD sees patients at Boston University Eye Associates, Inc., Southeast Health Center, 511 West Grove Street, Middleboro on Mondays. Appointments may be made by calling the office at 508-947-8868 and indicating it is for a low vision evaluation. For more information, visit http://buea.net/locations/buea-middleboro/.
Rowley: Dr. Jessica Fortin, OD, does low vision exams at Leader Eye Associates, 319 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Dr. Jessica Fortin is a graduate of UMass Amherst and the New England College of Optometry. She completed an optometric residency in primary care and ocular disease at the Providence VA Medical Center. Dr. Fortin offers low vision examinations at Leader Eye Associates on Wednesdays and Thursdays. To schedule an appointment, please call (978) 948-2293 and request a low vision exam
Salem: Dr. Lyudmila Sutherland sees patients at Eye Center of the North Shore. For an appointment call 978-744-1177 or visit Eyecenternorthshore.com for more information.
Whitinsville: Dr. Jane Orenstein sees patients in her office at 999 Providence Road. Thursday mornings are completely devoted to low vision patients. Other times are also available. Appointments may be made by calling the office at 508-234-6681 and indicating it is for a low vision evaluation. For more information, visit OptometristsWhitinsville.com.
Worcester: MCPHS University School of Optometry offers low vision exams at the Eye and Vision Center located at 10 Lincoln Square. Low vision specialties include pediatrics and special populations. For an appointment, call 508-373-5830 and ask for a low vision exam. Please visit the MCPHS website for more details.
Boston, Lynn, Brookline, Lawrence, Watertown, and East Bridgewater:
New England College of Optometry provides vision rehabilitation services to individuals with visual impairment, individuals with legal blindness, and individuals with intellectual disabilities at their various locations in Massachusetts.
New England Eye Commonwealth
930 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
617-262-2020
Lynn Community Health Center
20 Central Ave, 1st Floor,
Lynn, MA 01901,
781-595-1350
Boston Eye Group
1101 Beacon Street, Suite 6,
Brookline, MA 02446,
617-566-0062
Boston Eye Group
25 Marston Street, Suite 104,
Lawrence, MA 01841
(978) 685-5366
NECO Low Vision at Perkins School for the Blind
175 North Beacon St
Watertown, MA 02472
617-972-7296
NECO Southeastern Massachusetts
450 Pleasant St.
East Bridgewater, MA 02333
617-680-8447
NECO Low Vision Center at the Holyoke Health Center
230 Maple St
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 420-2825
For more information, please call the phone numbers listed above or visit the New England Eye website at https://www.necoeyecare.org