Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT CVI

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Your doctor is committed to ensuring that you have the best medical care for your eyes. They rely on CVI as the important next step in your vision treatment plan. We work with retina specialists, surgeons, ophthalmologists, and optometrists to assist people with low-vision resources such as low-vision aids and by teaching them new skills that will allow them to remain as independent as possible.

A low-vision evaluation is conducted by a low-vision optometrist who will assess your functional vision and recommend low-vision aids and devices. It is not a traditional eye exam so your eyes will not be dilated and medication will not be prescribed. During your appointment, you will also meet with an occupational therapist who will review your daily activities and vision-related challenges. You will be able to test various devices such as high-powered magnifiers, talking products, and writing and large print aids.

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Our VisAbility Store is open Monday from Noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday by appointment only.

CVI accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most Medicare Advantage and private insurance plans in Georgia. We also offer private pay options for services not covered by insurance.

Financial assistance is available based on income and household size. For more information, contact CVI at 404-875-9011.

The Client Services team will contact you to obtain a copy of your most recent eye exam (completed within the last 12 months). Once the intake paperwork is complete, your appointment can be scheduled.  CVI will send a reminder a week before your appointment date.

No, unfortunately, we do not provide transportation. However, our location is on the MARTA bus line, and we are within one block of walking distance from the North Avenue MARTA station. We do assist clients with applying for MARTA Mobility services after they have been through the clinic. You may also check with your county senior services department for possible transportation options.

CVI offers vision rehabilitation for seniors, adults, and children. Classes include white cane travel, computer assistive technology, cooking and meal preparation, completing household chores, financial management, and emergency preparedness. Visit Programs and Services to learn more.

Low-vision aids and devices can be purchased at our VisAbility Store, located on the first floor of CVI at 739 W. Peachtree St. NW. We also sell diabetes management supplies and devices. You can visit the store in person or contact Kelly Carmichael, store manager, for assistance at 404-602-4356. People served in the clinic and/or adult services qualify for an initial discount on low-vision aids and devices.

Our primary service area is in the 28-county Atlanta metro area, but some of our clients travel to CVI from other areas of Georgia due to services not being available in their area. We offer satellite clinics in partnership with eye practices and healthcare facilities in communities throughout the metro Atlanta area. Call 404-875-9011 for locations.

The Florence Maxwell Low Vision Clinic is the gateway into other services, including in-home follow-up care. Follow-up services can be provided at CVI, in-home, or via telehealth. Location is determined on an individual basis per the patient's needs. An occupational therapist can assist clients with the proper use of aids and devices in the home as well as provide guidance/suggestions on safety and other navigation methods. Adult Services clients may schedule in-home orientation and mobility or other training classes. We do not provide ongoing in-home assistance with daily tasks (such as reading mail or computer assistance).

Yes, we provide support groups and counseling resources. You can visit our support group page for more details on the various groups, meeting dates, and times.

No, but as part of our collaboration with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, we provide assistive technology training and resources about workplace accommodations.