Low Vision?

Dr. Wayne Hoeft has been practicing Optometry since 1959, when he began practicing and also teaching for the Southern California College of Optometry. At that time there was not a Low Vision specialty in the field of Optometry, so he got in on the ground level when he was asked to help design devices for persons with visual impairments.

The mainstay of Dr. Hoeft's practice is now Low Vision, having had patients who are now in their 40's and 50's since they were in their teens. However, with the influx of Age-related Macular Degeneration, his practice has become largely one of geriatric Low Vision patients. He also sees many people with Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardts, Best's Disease, along with eye injury cases and other less known conditions.

The devices he prescribes range from simple hand-held magnifiers to Low Vision microscopes and telescopes. The choices are based on the patients' needs and which devices the patients are comfortable with. Of course, these vary from patient to patient...and each visual need requires a different device.

Although Dr. Wayne's specialty is Low Vision, he also sees young children and families. He even has some young children who are visually impaired.

Many VSP policies will contribute toward Low Vision exams and devices.

See Dr. Hoeft's special Low Vision website at www.drwaynehoeft.com.

Dr. Linda Pang graduated from Southern California College of Optometry and completed her residency training in ocular disease/low vision rehabilitation at the renowned Lighthouse International through the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry. After residency, she joined the staff at Lighthouse International and served as an adjunct clinical faculty for SUNY College of Optometry. In New York City, she published a book, The Lighthouse Clinician’s Guide to Low Vision Practice and was an advisory board member for Baruch College’s Computer Center for Visually Impaired People. Dr. Pang returned to Southern California to serve as Chief of Vision Rehabilitation Service and Assistant Professor at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Optometry.

She trained optometry students & ophthalmology residents about interdisciplinary teams for optimizing vision performance and improving patients’ quality of life. She has been invited to speak at Weill Cornell Medical College/ Department of Ophthalmology, City University of New York/York College Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, USC Keck School of Medicine’s Ophthalmology Residency Program, and Foundation for Fighting Blindness Los Angeles Vision Seminar.

At Burbank Family Optometry, Dr. Pang’s practice philosophy focuses on patient-centered care. She advocates for persons with vision loss or blindness and empowers them with devices & resources to remain safe, healthy, and independent. She prescribes custom-made optical systems, assistive technology, rehabilitation strategies, and support services to help people overcome the daily challenges associated with vision loss. She is dedicated to improving people’s quality of life by providing practical real world solutions because she understands how vision loss affects people performing daily activities.