Talking to People in Public Places

When I talk to people participating in our Adapting to Vision Loss program the question people most often raise is “How do I talk to people in public?” They feel awkward about asking for help, unsure of how to do it, uncertain if it is a good idea to tell people they have limited sight. … Continue reading Talking to People in Public Places

NEI funded researchers identify 133 genetic variants that predict glaucoma risk

Glaucoma (NEI)

Results inform strategies aimed at preventing vision loss From the National Eye Institute Researchers funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) have identified 133 genetic variants that predict with 75-percent accuracy a person’s risk for developing glaucoma related to elevated pressure within the eye. Future genetic tests could identify high-risk individuals who would benefit from… Continue reading NEI funded researchers identify 133 genetic variants that predict glaucoma risk

My aching neck: Massage for people with vision impairments

Excerpted from “Insight for Bodyworkers: Connecting with Blind and Visually Impaired Clients” By Mary Kathleen Rose Sept/Oct 2012 issue of Massage and Bodywork magazine Conditions of the eyes range from common eyestrain, myopia (nearsightedness), and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) to diseases that threaten significant loss of vision, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinopathy. While… Continue reading My aching neck: Massage for people with vision impairments

Breaking Blind YouTube Channel Provides Advice for Living with Low Vision

Neitfeld making fudge

Looking for “how to” videos that teach you how to adapt to vision loss? Check out the “Breaking Blind” YouTube channel to follow creator Maureen Neitfeld as she demonstrates everything from making fudge to working out. Maureen Neitfeld lost her sight at 17 from a disorder called Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome that causes tumors to grow… Continue reading Breaking Blind YouTube Channel Provides Advice for Living with Low Vision

Strokes and Vision Loss

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Almost half of stroke assessments do not assess vision. A recent University of Liverpool-led review of post-stroke screenings for visual impairments found that while 65-percent of stroke survivors suffer from a visual impairment, 45-percent of stroke units do not assess vision at all. The review states there is an urgent demand for a tool to examine… Continue reading Strokes and Vision Loss

iPads and iPhones Can Replace Assistive Technology Devices

Image from TapTapSee.

If you have experienced vision loss and are in need of assistive technology aids, you may want to look into an iPad. These devices can serve as adjustable magnifiers, and, given their voice-over or zoom features, can provide help with a number of other activities including listening to weather reports, searching for a phone number,… Continue reading iPads and iPhones Can Replace Assistive Technology Devices

Nutrition for the Eyes

As we begin the process of improving our vision naturally, it is helpful to look closely at how we are nourishing ourselves. We need foods that are fresh, as close to the natural state as possible, and whose water content is high. Gradually changing from the typical North-American diet consisting of white bread, pasta, meat,… Continue reading Nutrition for the Eyes

June is Cataracts Awareness Month

This is what someone with cataracts might see.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It… Continue reading June is Cataracts Awareness Month

How Can Occupational Therapy Assist You?

Occupational Therapists work with the visually impaired in a large variety of settings such as low vision clinics, schools, hospitals, nursing facilities, the workplace and in people’s homes. They collaborate and work with other low vision professionals to reduce the impact of vision loss and promote independence.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Vision Loss

Comprehensive Program

It’s not always easy to talk to your doctor. Here are some helpful hints.

Importance of Lighting for Vision Loss

Good lighting is important for performing tasks like reading or sewing; it also creates a safer environment and helps to prevent accidents. As you age, the amount of light entering the eye is reduced, causing a reduction in visual acuity, contrast and color intensity. The type of lighting and its intensity, color and direction all… Continue reading Importance of Lighting for Vision Loss

It is What You Make of it

I have always used the phrase “it is what it is” meaning “that is just the way things are so deal with it” or “just accept it”. Recently, I met with a good friend who said to me after I said, “it is what it is, but it is also what you make of it”.… Continue reading It is What You Make of it