Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
TEL: 415-431-1481
FAX: 415-863-7568
Clinical Faculty Member: Jill Lobingier, OD (lobingierjill@berkeley.edu)
Welcome to the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired clinic. This clinic specializes in care for adults with low vision. The goal of the clinic is to provide devices that will assist the patients with staying in the workplace and/or maintaining independence. Devices may include strong reading spectacles, hand-held or stand magnifiers, telescopes, CCTV’s or sun tints.
The program is a collaboration between the San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the UC Berkeley School of Optometry. The School of Optometry provides low vision services while the LightHouse provides rehabilitative services. In addition, the LightHouse staff includes rehabilitation specialists, social workers, orientation and mobility instructors and counselors with whom we co-manage the patients.
The LightHouse clinic has one examination room that is well equipped.
Location and Hours of Operation
The LightHouse is located in San Francisco at 214 Van Ness Avenue, across the street from Davies Symphony Hall. Parking is very limited so taking BART is usually the preferred method of getting to the clinic (the Civic Center station is a short walk from the clinic). The clinic operates on Fridays starting at 8:30 A.M.
Student Clinicians
4th-year clinicians work directly with Dr. Chu and/or the low vision resident. LightHouse personnel will also work closely with the doctors and students to ensure good care is provided to each patient.
All clinicians need to be in professional clinic attire but a white coat is not required. Student clinicians at the LightHouse are expected to follow the same professional guidelines that are set forth in clinic manual at Berkeley Optometry and the regulations set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Patient Care
Examinations are primarily performed by Dr. Chu and/or the low vision resident with the assistance of the 4th year clinicians. All paperwork required for the exam is to be completed on the day of the exam.
If any questions arise pertaining to the overall organization of the LightHouse clinic or your rotation through it, you may contact Dr. Chu at marlenachu@berkeley.edu.