Frequently Asked Questions
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Consumer FAQs
How much do Ocutech products cost?
Ocutech does not determine the cost of its products to consumers.
Ocutech products are ordered by prescribers who in turn prescribe and dispense them to their patients. The cost of Ocutech products may be organized in three categories:
1. The base cost of the device
2. The cost of customization charges for eyeglass prescriptions, eyepiece correction, special filters, etc.
3. The professional services associated with the evaluation, prescribing, fitting and training the individual in the use of the device.
Will insurance cover my Ocutech purchase?
Benefits for low vision aids vary between insurers. You should contact your HR department or insurance company representative to confirm your coverage. VA Medical Centers do provide Ocutech products for their clients. Medicare does not presently cover low vision aids or appliances of any kind. Employers through the ADA Act may provide Ocutech products for their employees.
When billing insurance for the purchase of low vision telescopic aids, use the V2615 ophthalmic product code.
What are Ocutech SightScope systems?
Ocutech’s SightScope series are Galilean telescopes that are manufactured in a range of prescribing options, and include both telescopic and field expanding (for tunnel vision) versions. Visit our Product Directory for complete information on Ocutech’s complete product line.
Must I use the frames provided by Ocutech?
Ocutech’s frames have been specially designed or selected to meet the demands of incorporating Ocutech’s low vision aids. Most VES and SightScope bioptic telescopes must be used with frames provided by Ocutech. The VES®-Mini and the InstaMount can be attached to other suitable frames.
In what powers are Ocutech low vision aids available?
Ocutech’s VES systems are available in 3x, 4x, 5x and 6x powers. The SightScope Series is available in 0.5x (for tunnel vision), 1.7x and 2.2x powers. Not all systems are available in all powers. Consult the Product Comparison Chart for information about power availability.
How can I find an Ocutech low vision specialist?
We invite you to Contact Ocutech by phone or email for the name(s) of Ocutech prescribers closest to you.
What can Ocutech Bioptics be used for?
Ocutech bioptic telescopes can help visually impaired individuals to see television, movies and theater, faces, signs, blackboards and classmates in school, shopping, traveling, table-top activities including card and game playing, and mid range activities such as reading music and the computer. Ocutech users have even used their systems to drive*, hike, golf, bowl, paint, fish and mow the lawn.
*Bioptic telescopes may be used for driving in states where legal and with appropriate licensure.
Why can't consumers order directly from Ocutech?
Low vision specialists are trained to determine important technical details needed to properly order Ocutech low vision aids. We are happy to assist your prescriber in placing your order or to refer you to an Ocutech prescriber closest to you.
Why choose Ocutech Bioptics?
Advanced Technology Makes Ocutech Bioptics Easy to Use
Studies have shown that the most important features of bioptic telescopes are field of view, weight, appearance and ease of focus.
Ocutech bioptic telescopes use the highest-quality optics to produce the widest field of view possible and are the only bioptic telescopes that are ergonomically designed to provide the combination of wide field of view, light weight, compactness, ease of focus, and wearing comfort that users prefer. Designed to be easy to demonstrate in the clinic the user can experience the benefit of Ocutech bioptic telescopes before they are ordered. Ocutech’s innovative mounting designs and customization options provides the prescriber with full control of critical telescope positioning making it easy to optimize performance for even the most challenging cases.
Ocutech warrants each of their products against defects in manufacture. The specific warranties vary and are contained on the individual technical sheets for each product.
Can my Ocutech low vision aid be insured?
Yes. Most homeowner’s insurance policies will allow you to add your Ocutech system as a rider much like they do for cameras and jewelry. Contact your insurance broker for additional information.
When billing insurance for the purchase of low vision telescopic aids, use the V2615 ophthalmic product code.
What are Ocutech VES telescopes?
VES (Vision Enhancing System) is Ocutech’s trademarked and patented technology for its innovative Keplerian optical design that combines a telescope and periscope into one optical assembly. This advanced design provides the wide field of view of Keplerian systems in a lightweight, compact and ergonomic device. Visit our Product Directory for complete information on Ocutech’s complete product line.
Prescriber FAQs
What makes Ocutech bioptics so special?
Easy to fit and demonstrate
The innovative mounting design of Ocutech’s products allow its systems to be easily and conveniently demonstrated during the evaluation visit. There is little prescribing risk as all critical telescope positioning can be readjusted at any time, even after dispensing. With Ocutech Low Vision Aids you can achieve a level of control never before available with a high quality low vision telescope system. Even challenging eccentric viewing and nystagmus patients can be fit with ease.
Ocutech offers complete prescribing guides, fitting charts, online videos, and convenient step-by-step ordering forms. Diagnostic testing and demonstration systems are available for all of Ocutech’s low vision products. Technical support is always available. Contact Ocutech for complete professional information.
Which patients should I consider for bioptic telescopes?
Ocutech bioptic telescope systems are indicated for individuals with reduced central vision where visual acuity is responsive to magnification. Individuals with vision of 20/300 and better have benefited from Ocutech devices.
Diagnoses responsive to telescopic low vision aids include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt’s Disease, Hereditary macular degeneration, albinism, high myopia, nystagmus, coloboma, optic atrophy, macula holes, achromatopsia, rod/cone dystrophies, as well as many other vision disorders.
How do I know if my patient is a promising candidate for an Ocutech telescope system?
Ocutech has developed a clinical prescribing worksheet and accompanying Webinar to help you determine your patient’s prognosis and appropriate prescription for low vision telescopes.
When should I prescribe eyepiece corrections?
All Ocutech VES bioptics provide internal Rx correction for a large range of spherical refractive errors (consult Product Comparison Chart for full ranges) and usually do not require additional eyepiece corrections.
For VES systems eyepiece corrections should be considered for spherical refractive errors beyond +/-10D or 3D cylinder.
SightScope Systems do not requires eyepiece corrections as the telescopes are positioned in front of the carrier lenses.
Visit the Product Directory too for specific prescribing options and recommendations
Which eye should the Ocutech telescope be prescribed for?
It is preferable to prescribe to the dominant eye (even if it is the poorer seeing eye) so long as you can achieve the acuity goal you seek through the telescope. If the non-dominant eye is the significantly better seeing eye, it may be necessary to at least partially occlude the dominant eye to aid sighting through the telescope.
What prescription should be ordered in the carrier lenses?
We recommend prescribing the normal distance Rx in the carrier lenses including a bifocal if it is habitually used. We recommend conventional flat-top or round-segment bifocals rather than progressive lenses or trifocals. If no distance Rx is normally worn, plano lenses should be ordered.
How high should the bifocal segment be ordered?
We recommend at least 10mm between the bottom of the eyepiece and the top of the bifocal segment. Please see our frame catalog tech sheet that lists the recommended maximum segment heights for all Ocutech frames.