Low vision means having impaired vision that cannot be corrected by glasses, surgery or medication. I don’t use the term often, I usually say that I am visually impaired or legally blind. A low vision center provides advice, techniques and devices to make the most of your remaining vision. If you know someone with low vision, help them find a low vision center in their area. It will change their life.
There they will identify on a very personal level the tools those of us living with low vision must have to fully live in a fully-sighted world. You talk about your goals and the team shows you the weapons in their vast arsenal. If you have ever spent 10 minutes trying to untie a bag of bread because you cannot see if you are loosening the tie or making it tighter, then you understand that this is war.
I have a great life but it is devastating to not have proper sight. I am no longer able to see color except for certain shades of blue. I can no longer drive which was my very most favorite thing to do. I had to give up a career I loved where I traveled the world. Big things.
But because of Feinbloom Low Vision Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I now have a video magnifier that enables me to continue to read 100 books a year. It also enables me to file and paint my fingernails. I have a compact telescope that enables me to watch my nephew at bat at his baseball games. ENABLES me.When I first went to Feinbloom ten years ago, I was still an infant in the low vision world. I knew no one like me. I have a wonderful husband, family and friends but working with the team at the low vision center, I realized I am not alone. I now had an ally with knowledge, experience and compassion. Since that initial visit, I have reached out to my contacts at Feinbloom many times. When I wanted an exercise bike with accessibility features, I asked them for their input. They continue to be there for me, as any good partner is.
So, yes, I have lost some big things. But because of my low vision center, I have the little things back. And as we all know, it is the little things that make up a life.
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