Low Vision Services

The California School for the Blind's Low Vision Clinic, in partnership with University of California Berkeley, offers free low-vision exams, optical devices, and consultations for students with visual impairments, along with guidance on assistive technology and a low-vision device showroom.

California School for the Blind (CSB) Low Vision Clinic

The California School for the Blind (CSB), in collaboration with the University of California (UC) at Berkeley School of Optometry, provides low-vision examinations and optical devices to students who have low vision in California schools. Students should have a current Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and be identified as eligible for services for students who are visually impaired. The exams and devices are provided free of charge through the California Department of Education.

The CSB Low Vision Clinic is held in Fremont on our campus on Wednesdays throughout the school year. We have three appointments per Wednesday, starting at 9:00, 10:30, and 1:00. Appointments will be scheduled upon receiving all required information and in the order they are received.

We require the student's Teacher of the Visually Impaired or Orientation and Mobility Specialist to attend the appointment. We also encourage these professionals to involve parents and other team members involved in the student's care. Interpretation services are available for families and students as needed, and we can arrange Zoom sessions for those unable to attend in person.

To schedule an appointment, complete the following application and return it to csb.lowvision@csb-cde.ca.gov or send it to the address below.

All services are provided at no cost.

Low Vision Clinic Application Link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)
Solicitud para la Clínica de Visión Baja Link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)

Resources

Travel Clinics

Our clinic typically serves students who reside within a three-hour radius of Fremont and can respond clearly to verbal directions and questions. Please consider reaching out to schedule a Travel Clinic for individuals outside the three-hour radius. The Low Vision Clinic Coordinator and the UC Berkeley optometrists will come to you! We can see between six and eight students per travel clinic location.

Special Visual Assessment Clinic

For students who are very young or those with consistent communication or behavior difficulties, the Special Visual Assessment Clinic at UC Berkeley may be a better fit. They can be reached at 510-642-2020; if cost is a concern or for assistance getting an appointment, contact the CSB Low Vision Clinic.

Low Vision Technology Show Room

As part of the outreach department at the CSB, the Low Vision Clinic serves as a resource for all low-vision students and their families throughout California. We can arrange an appointment if a teacher or student is interested in exploring new technology or devices. This can be scheduled as part of a low-vision consultation with our doctors or separately with the Low Vision Clinic and Classroom Coordinator on a day other than Wednesday.

Consultation

In addition to offering guidance on low-vision technology, the Low Vision Clinic and Classroom Coordinator serves as a valuable resource for students, families, and educators throughout California. If you receive an unclear vision report or conflicting information, the Clinic and Classroom Coordinator is available to provide expert consultation in these situations. The Clinic and Classroom Coordinator is available to meet students and teachers in their local areas to provide personalized consultations.
To get more information regarding a consultation or the Low Vision Clinic, please fill out this Low Vision Clinic Consultation/Information Request External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) or email csb.lowvision@csb-cde.ca.gov.

Low Vision Clinic and Classroom Coordinator

Samantha Peterson, MA
California School for the Blind
500 Walnut Ave.
Fremont, CA 94536
510-936-5526
csb.lowvision@csb-cde.ca.gov

Frequently Asked Questions about the CSB Low Vision Clinic

How Is a Low Vision Appointment Different from Seeing a Regular Optometrist or Ophthalmologist?

  1. Specialized Expertise
    1. A low vision appointment is led by an optometrist who specializes in low vision. These professionals have extensive knowledge and experience working with individuals who have significant visual impairments.
  2. Focus on Maximizing Vision
    1. The primary goal of a low vision exam is to maximize the remaining vision and provide information on low vision aids and adaptive techniques for everyday activities.
  3. Comprehensive Functional Vision Assessment
    1. During a low vision exam, optometrists measure functional vision in various ways to determine how the student uses their vision in daily activities, both at home and at school.

Why come to CSB for a Low Vision Exam?

  1. Free of Charge
    1. CSB offers complimentary low vision exams. We do not require information about the student's insurance or residential status.
  2. Expert Advice and Recommendations
    1. Our low vision appointments include the presence of our Clinic and Classroom Coordinator, an experienced Teacher for the Visually Impaired. This individual has extensive knowledge in assistive technology and low vision devices suitable for classroom settings. The Coordinator is present throughout the entire exam, providing personalized recommendations based on the exam results and discussions with the student, parent, and vision specialist.
  3. Showroom of Low Vision Devices
    1. The CSB Low Vision Clinic also serves as a showroom for low vision technology. Students, teachers, and families can explore and test a wide variety of video magnifiers and other low vision aids.
  4. Complimentary Devices
    1. If it is determined during the exam that a handheld magnifier, sunglasses, or a monocular could benefit the student, our clinic can provide these items at no cost.
  5. Community Building Opportunities
    1. As part of our recommendations, we offer information on various ways to connect with other low vision and visually impaired students. This includes other services provided by the California School for the Blind, as well as opportunities throughout California.

Who are our students?

Throughout the school year, we are typically able to see around 90-100 students, including those seen during our travel clinics. Our students range in age from 3.5 to 22 years old, with an average age of approximately 12 to 13 years old. We see both students who are legally blind (60%) and those who are not. Many of our students also have additional disabilities.

Most of our students have existing IEPs that include vision services. However, we also see students undergoing their initial assessment for special education services or those being assessed to add vision services to their IEPs.