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.