Daniel A. Dudley, O.D.
Dr. Daniel Dudley graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1974 with a diploma in Bible Theology. In 1977 he received his B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University, and in 1981 he received his Doctor of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry. His Low-Vision Practice certification wa granted in 1989 by the Michigan Optometric Association after completing the graduate study and clinical work required by the state of Michigan. he is the only Low-Vision Specialist in southwestern Michigan and one of only 22 in the entire state certified to participate in state-funded low-vision programs. His office is equipped with a wide variety of low-vision devices.
Dr. Dudley has participated in numberous foreign mission projects providing examinations and glasses free of charge to people in countries such as Bolivia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
People who have a low-vision problem sometimes feel all alone. They are not. About one out of every 20 Americans has low-vision. Many are unable to read ordinary print or watch television, even with conventional glasses or contact lenses. Others have a very narrow field of view, like looking through a tube or tunnel.
Many people have been told by their eye specialist that there is nothing that can be done to improve their sight. What this means is that their vision cannont be improved through surgical or medical treatment or with traditional glasses.
Some people who have low-vision (including the legally blind) think it is an overwhelming or impossible handicap. Low-vision specialists, however, believe it is more like a hurdle. It can be overcome. Many people have done it. It takes desire, determination, and a willingness to accept a new way of seeing. The reward that awaits is the ability to handle daily activities and to maintain independence. No surgery is required. In most cases, the use of magnifiers, spectacle-mounted telescopes, head-borne binoculars, closed circuit television, etc., can give low-vision patients comfort, security, and independence. Many are then able to read, see television better, do hobbies, write their own checks, and even drive legally in Michigan.
Low-vision problems range from legal blindness to any vision impairment that, even with conventional prescription lenses, prevent participating in or enjoying a desired visual activity. Some people are born with a low-vision problem. Others develop the condition later in life through illness, injury, or normal aging.
Low-vision may be due to a congenital or inherited eye defect such as albinism, retinitis pigmentosa, optic atrophy, or nystagmus.
If the condition develops later in life, the cause is likely to be macular degeneration (deterioration of the retina), glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetes. In some cases, as with glaucoma or diabetes, loss of vision cna be minimized or controlled through early diagnosis and treatment.
Seeking treatment for an eye or general health problems for a low-vision examination, you may call Dr. Dudley at 616-983-2020. Please ask for Dr. Dudley's low-vision assistant, and be sure to mention low-vision so that you are properly scheduled for a low-vision examination, not a basic eye examination.
To learn more about how we can help you, please contact us to make your first appointment.
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Family Vision Associates
2904 Division Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
tel: 269-983-2020
email: info@familyvisionassociates.com