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.

• Prescriber FAQs

Can Bioptic Telescopic Glasses Help You or Your Patients?

Imagine having a pair of lightweight binoculars discreetly built into your glasses. While it may sound like something out of a futuristic film, bioptic telescopic glasses are a real and powerful tool for people with low vision – helping them to see the world around them, to help regain confidence and independence in daily life.

Whether you're someone navigating reduced vision or an eye care provider supporting patients who are, bioptics could be the missing piece in their functional vision rehabilitation.

What are bioptic telescopic glasses? 

Bioptics are small telescopes mounted onto eyeglasses, designed to help individuals with moderately reduced vision see distant objects more clearly. With a simple tilt of the head, wearers can “switch views” and magnify what they’re seeing – like a street sign, a whiteboard, or even a friend’s face from across the room.

They offer the unique combination of hands-free magnification and near-normal distance and mid-range vision, which can be life-changing for many users.

Who can benefit from bioptics? 
Bioptics are often recommended for individuals with central vision loss due to:

• Macular degeneration
• Stargardt disease
• Albinism and nystagmus
• Other congenital or acquired low vision conditions

While they’re not for everyone, bioptics can dramatically improve quality of life for those with visual acuity of 20/300 (6/90) or better.

How are bioptics fitted and customized?
Fitting bioptics is both a science and an art. After evaluating a patient’s visual acuity, ocular dominance, and lifestyle needs, a trained low vision specialist will determine:

• The appropriate magnification level (from 1.7x up to 6x)
• Whether the device should be prescribed for one or both eyes
• To select a device that best supports the individual’s range of distances at which they seek improvement for far off, mid-range, or near vision activities

The device is then precisely aligned and mounted onto traditional-looking eyeglass frames that usually incorporate the patient’s eyeglass prescription (called carrier lenses) which will support both their normal vision along with the magnified field of view provided by the telescope.

Training: A key part of success

Just like learning a new skill, getting the most out of bioptics takes training and practice– but it’s well worth the effort. Patients are coached on:

• How to localize and aim through the telescope
• When to use the telescope vs. carrier lens
• Strategies for safe walking, reading, and social engagement

With practice and patience, most users find that bioptics quickly become second nature.

Can you drive with bioptics? 

In many states in the US, yes. Bioptic telescopic glasses are often used by individuals with low vision who qualify for special bioptic driving licensure. These programs vary from state to state and may include behind-the-wheel training and are subject to special state licensing guidelines.

For many individuals, bioptics may provide a pathway to safe driving- not just for seniors who had been driving for many years until they experienced a visual impairment, but also for adolescents with low vision who may have been told they would never be eligible for a driver’s license.