Skip to main content
Low Vision of Illinois
Dr. Svetlana Pikus, O.D. · IALVS
LocationsReviews773-443-2040Request a Phone Consultation

Low Vision of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin

Specializing in Low Vision — Helping You See Again

Dr. Svetlana Pikus, O.D. is a member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, designing custom optical systems for people with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, stroke-related vision loss and other conditions that standard glasses can't correct.

Call 773-443-2040Request a Phone Consultation
Low vision patient fitted with custom optical system by Dr. Pikus
Dr. Pikus fitting low vision glasses on a patient

Dr. Svetlana Pikus — Uniquely Trained & Experienced

Dr. Pikus is uniquely trained and experienced in providing low-vision glasses and devices that make the most of the vision you still have. As a member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, she designs custom systems that go far beyond standard prescriptions.

Every relationship begins with a telephone interview, so we can discuss your vision, your goals, and whether low vision care is right for you — before any appointment is scheduled.

Conditions We Help

If your vision has changed and reading, driving, or recognizing faces is harder than it used to be, low vision rehabilitation may help.

  • Macular Degeneration

    Wet and dry AMD — central vision loss that makes reading, faces, and driving difficult.

  • Diabetic Retinopathy

    Blurred or patchy vision from diabetes-related damage to the retina.

  • Glaucoma

    Peripheral and contrast loss from optic nerve damage.

  • Stargardt's Disease

    Inherited juvenile macular dystrophy causing progressive central vision loss.

  • Retinitis Pigmentosa

    Tunnel vision and night blindness from progressive retinal degeneration.

  • Stroke-Related Vision Loss

    Hemianopia, neglect, and other visual field loss after stroke or brain injury.

  • Albinism

    Reduced acuity and light sensitivity from underdeveloped retinal pigment.

  • Low Vision After Cataract Surgery

    Residual vision loss when cataract surgery alone is not enough.

Low Vision Devices We Prescribe

Each system is custom-fit. Most patients leave with options to try at home.

  • Bioptic Telescopes for Driving

    Miniature telescopes mounted above the line of sight, legal for driving in Illinois and Wisconsin.

  • Prismatic Reading Glasses

    High-powered readers that bring small print into sharp focus at close range.

  • E-Scoop Glasses

    Specialty lenses that boost contrast and reduce glare for macular degeneration.

  • Hand-Held & Spectacle-Mounted Telescopes

    For TV, theater, classrooms, and distance tasks.

  • Magnifiers

    Illuminated hand and stand magnifiers tailored to each patient's prescription.

  • CCTV / Video Magnifiers

    Electronic systems that enlarge print, photos, and documents on a high-contrast screen.

  • Tinted & Filter Lenses

    Custom tints to reduce glare and improve contrast outdoors and indoors.

Real Patients, Real Activities

Driving, reading sheet music, playing cards, sewing, seeing faces — the goal is the life you want back. Here are a few of the moments low vision systems have made possible.

  • Patient driving with a bioptic telescope

    Driving with a bioptic telescope

  • Patient reading sheet music with low vision glasses

    Reading notes and playing music

  • Patient reading with a focusable telescope

    Reading with a focusable telescope

  • Patient fitted with custom low vision glasses

    Custom-fit low vision glasses

  • Patient playing cards with low vision aids

    Back to playing cards

  • Patient doing detailed craft work

    Detail work, restored

  • Patient sewing with low vision magnifier

    Sewing and fine handwork

  • Patient reading a book with magnifier

    Reading books again

Low Vision: Causes and Who Gets It

Vision loss primarily occurs in people over 65 but can happen at any age. The main causes of low vision are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, inoperable cataracts, and open-angle glaucoma. These and other conditions cause irreversible vision loss but do not cause complete and total blindness.

Usually a person is left with "residual" vision that can still be very useful — especially with the help of properly prescribed low vision devices.

Communities We Serve

Patients travel to Dr. Pikus from across 92+ communities in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

Chicagoland

Northern Illinois

Quad Cities

Southern Wisconsin

Call the office for a brief evaluation

We'll discuss your vision, your goals, and whether low vision care can help. No pressure.

773-443-2040
Call 773-443-2040