Keystone Blind Association will soon offer a clinic for local residents with low vision.

Drs. Paul and Kathleen Freeman, both optometrists who specialize in low vision, will begin seeing patients Feb. 26 at the KBA's Sharon location. They hope to see patients from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every third Wednesday, but their visits could increase if the demand for their services is high.

Freeman is the head of low-vision services at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and co-authored the book, "The Art and Practice of Low Vision." His wife recently relocated from a full-time low-vision practice in Texas and travels there several times a year to see patients.

The clinic offers a convenient alternative for low-vision patients in the area who would normally have to travel to a big city to see an eye doctor. Many of the KBAs clients are already Freeman's patients.

"It's much more convenient for me to see six patients here than for them to travel to Allegheny General," he said.

Just through word of mouth, the doctors' first day at KBA is already completely booked, said Raedine Listopad, rehabilitation specialist at the KBA.

Based on each patient's examination, Freeman will determine the best option for that patient's needs, which may include prescribing a device to help them see better.

Low vision cannot be corrected by conventional glasses or contact lenses. Instead, those who suffer from low vision must use magnification devices in order to see.

One device is a closed-circuit television, which enlarges a newspaper or other object and shows it on a television screen. Another is the Jordy, named for LeVar Burton's character on "Star Trek: The Next Generation." The Jordy fits over the eyes, and a hand-held controller can make objects appear closer or farther away. Other devices resemble hand-held magnifying glasses or telescopes.

After Freeman prescribes a device to a patient, the KBA staff will be on hand to help that patient use it. Ms. Listopad and Kathleen Buskirk, also a rehabilitation specialist, said they will be able to go into the patient's homes if necessary to help them with the equipment.

"They may be able to use the device in the office, but not in their home," Freeman said. "If it's useful here, but it won't be used at home, it has no value."