News You Can Use: April 2009
When Donna McIntire’s Dad was diagnosed with macular degeneration, the entire family was thrown into a state of panic. Brian, 71, who lives alone, had always been very independent, loved to read books, play cards with friends, and go the movies. But his diminishing vision, coupled with the diagnosis from his doctor that “nothing could be done” to restore his vision, caused him to sink into a deep depression. “It was awful,” said Donna. “Dad could no longer even see television very well, let alone read, cook, or drive to get groceries.” Donna and her siblings, who lived more than an hour away and had full-time jobs and children of their own, wondered how they could provide their father with the support he needed. “I spent many sleepless nights worrying about my Dad,” said Donna. “The choices were limited; either move Dad in with one of us, or try to pool together enough money to pay for an assisted living facility or expensive in-home care.” Understandably, Brian didn’t want to give up his home and move away from where he had lived for more than 40 years of his life. And the idea of someone “checking up on him” constantly left him feeling even worse.
But one day, Donna was talking to a friend who was in the field of Optometry. She learned that although her Dad’s diagnosis suggested there was little that could be done to improve his vision through medical treatment or surgery, there were doctors known as low vision specialists who might be able to help her Dad regain his independence. “This was the first good news I had heard in a long time,” said Donna, “and it was certainly worth a try.”
Donna’s friend gave her the name of a low vision clinic in her area and she made an appointment right away. “They gave Dad a complete examination, prescribed him new specialized glasses and taught him to use assistive aids such as magnifiers and brighter lighting,” said Donna. “They also helped Dad find new ways of “seeing,” utilizing the remaining vision he has. But most of all they gave my Dad hope that he could lead a full, independent life again.”
During an examination by a low vision specialist, the practitioner will evaluate not only how well a patient can read an eye chart, but also how well he or she can read books, newspapers and television, see faces, and navigate at home and outdoors. Once the specialist reviews all of the tests, he or she may prescribe optical devices to help the patient get the most out of their remaining vision. They can also provide training to help patients adjust to vision loss and to teach them how to use certain devices such as magnifiers, high-powered glasses, telescopes and adaptive computer technology. Low vision specialists can often help connect patients with support groups in his or her area and direct them to useful resources such as transportation for the visually impaired, talking books, and special products such as large button cell phones, and talking watches. They can also refer patients to other vision rehabilitation professionals.
“While dealing with vision loss is not easy, I have to say that my Dad is back to his former cheerful self,” said Donna, “Thanks to the new devices he has and everything else he has learned, he can now watch television, read, and play cards with his friends. He has even connected with some new pals through a ride-share service he found. I really believe that finding a good low vision specialist saved my Dad’s life. And I’m sleeping a lot better these days.”
To find a low vision specialist, check with your retinal specialist, ophthalmologist, optometrist, local low vision rehabilitation organization, or visit www.AMDAlliance.org to see a list of organizations in your area that can refer you to a low vision specialist.
