Low Vision Rehabilitation in Japan
Index
What Does Low Vision Mean?
What Causes Low Vision?
What is Low Vision Rehabilitation?
Where You Can Experience Low Vision Rehabilitation
What to Expect from Low Vision Rehabilitation?
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Understanding Your Vision
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Low Vision Aids
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Digital Device Introductions
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Eye Movement Training
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Daily Living Advice
Cost of Low Vision Rehabilitation in Japan
Advantages of Low Vision Rehabilitation in Japan
Our Medical Concierge Services
What Does Low Vision Mean?
Low vision describes a significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Unlike complete blindness, a person with low vision certainly has usable sight. This condition can make everyday tasks—such as reading, writing, or recognizing faces—challenging and can impact a person's independence and overall quality of life.
What Causes Low Vision?
Low vision is not a disease in itself but rather the result of various underlying eye conditions. It often develops as a progressive condition, with symptoms worsening over time. Common causes of low vision include:
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Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A leading cause of low vision, which damages the macula and leads to a loss of central vision.
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Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often resulting in a loss of peripheral vision.
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Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels in the retina.
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Inherited Retinal Diseases: Conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, which cause progressive degeneration of the photoreceptor cells.
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Stroke or Brain Injury: Damage to the visual pathways in the brain also causes low vision.
What is Low Vision Rehabilitation?
Low vision rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary process that helps individuals with low vision make the most of their remaining sight. It goes beyond simply prescribing glasses and involves a comprehensive approach to enhance daily function and independence. The goal is not to restore lost vision, but to instruct new skills and provide tools that help patients achieve their personal goals, such as reading, using a computer, or navigating their environment safely.
Where You Can Experience Low Vision Rehabilitation
Finding a low vision specialist can be a significant challenge worldwide due to a shortage of dedicated professionals. This often leaves patients feeling that their options are limited. In Japan, however, low vision rehabilitation is a well-established and highly valued part of eye care. You can find high-quality programs at specialized centers, often affiliated with leading university hospitals and clinics.
What to Expect from Low Vision Rehabilitation?
A personalized low vision rehabilitation program is tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle. Here are some key components:
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Understanding Your Vision
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A specialist will perform a detailed functional vision assessment to understand exactly how your remaining sight affects daily tasks. This includes evaluating your visual acuity, visual field, contrast sensitivity, and how you adapt to different lighting conditions.
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Low Vision Aids
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You will be introduced to a variety of specialized tools and technologies to help with daily tasks. These may include:
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Magnifiers: Handheld, stand, or video magnifiers to help with reading and close-up tasks.
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Telescopes: Used for seeing distant objects, such as street signs or bus numbers.
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Polarizing Lenses: Specialized filters that reduce glare and improve contrast, making it easier to see in bright or challenging environments.
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Digital Device Introductions
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Smartphones, tablets, and their applications are under significant development and can greatly assist patients. They are now an essential part of modern low vision rehabilitation, offering features like advanced magnification, voice commands, and screen readers to enhance daily living.
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Eye Movement Training
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Training sessions will help you learn new techniques to use your remaining vision more effectively. This might include:
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Eccentric Viewing: Learning to use a healthier part of your retina to compensate for a central blind spot.
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Scanning: Developing systematic eye movements to find objects and navigate your environment more efficiently.
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Daily Living Advice
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Specialists provide practical advice and strategies to enhance safety and independence, such as:
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Lighting: Guidance on optimal lighting for your home and workspace.
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Contrast: Using high-contrast items in your home to make them easier to see.
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Community Resources: Information on local support groups, mobility training, and other services.
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Cost of Low Vision Rehabilitation in Japan
The cost of a low vision rehabilitation program in Japan can vary depending on the clinic and the services provided. Comprehensive programs, including specialized assessments and device training, are generally an out-of-pocket expense for international patients.
Finding institutions that provide structured low vision rehabilitation programs for international patients can be challenging. However, through our network, we can surely connect you with specialized institutions that offer excellent programs.
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Estimated Cost.
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For a comprehensive program, the cost typically ranges from 300,000 to 400,000 JPY.
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(Approx.: ~$1,920 - $2,560 USD / ¥13,800 - ¥18,400 CNY / ₱111,000 - ₱148,000 PHP / ₹159,000 - ₹212,000 INR / Rp31,350,000 - Rp41,800,000 IDR / ฿69,000 - ฿92,000 THB)
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Note: The exchange rates above are approximate and subject to daily fluctuations. The final cost will be paid in Japanese Yen.
Advantages of Low Vision Rehabilitation in Japan
Low vision rehabilitation has been a long-established and highly valued field in Japan, rooted in a culture of precision and patient-centric care.
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Multidisciplinary Team: You can experience a high-quality rehabilitation program involving a multidisciplinary team, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, and other specialized staff, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your care.
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Advanced Technology & Aids: Benefit from Japan's leadership in technology, with access to some of the most advanced low vision aids and devices.
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Patient-Centric "Omotenashi": The entire rehabilitation journey is supported by the unique spirit of Japanese hospitality, ensuring you receive empathetic, respectful, and personalized care.
Read Invited Expert Articles
Low Vision Rehabilitation: Understanding Crucial Eye Care for Every Patient
Director, Kobe iClinic
Dr. Satoshi Nakadomari, MD, PhD
Our Medical Concierge Services
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What to Expect from Our Services
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We are your dedicated partner throughout your low vision rehabilitation journey in Japan. Our physician-led team ensures every step is guided by expert medical understanding, from your initial consultation to destination choice.
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Service Flow
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Initial Review: Start by completing our secure inquiry form on this page. Tell us about your situation and what you seek from our expert doctors.
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Expert Match: Based on your condition and preferences, our physician-led team will precisely match you with ophthalmology experts from our exclusive network across Japan.
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Personalized Referrals: We'll propose suitable medical institutions for your treatment in Japan. Our goal is to connect you with the ideal specialist and facility, opening the door for you to experience professional Japanese ophthalmology.
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Service Fees
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Email Consultation for Expert Match and Personalized Referrals: Free of Charge
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